Pitt Homecoming Fireworks

The following letter was written concerning Pitt’s potentially dangerous fireworks display.

August 5, 2010

Councilman Bruce Kraus

RE: Pitt’s Homecoming Week

Dear Councilman Kraus,

I am writing to you about problems that have occurred yearly during the University of Pittsburgh’s Homecoming Week celebration, and I am requesting assistance from you and others to finally have them resolved.

The main problems are twofold. The first problem lies with the fact that the University has never given proper notification to Oakland residents by letter as to the events of the Homecoming Week and when they will be taking place. The second problem is with the tremendous negative impact of the University’s fireworks display.

Last year, my parents were awakened from a deep sleep at 9:30 p.m. terrified by the sounds of firebombs exploding while not knowing why it was happening. It seemed from the loudness as though the firebombs were being ignited on our street. The house seemed to shake from the thunder of the firebombs. That terrifying experience for my parents and others in the neighborhood lasted until 9:50 pm.

We are not asking that the students’ celebration cease because of the insensitivity and lack of caring by University administrators for the well being of our long-time residents. However, we are asking that these problems be addressed and resolved.

Here are a few suggestions that I have to resolve these problems:

1) The University must send a letter to every household in Oakland notifying residents of the activities of Homecoming Week, especially as to when the fireworks display will occur.

2) The type of fireworks used must be changed. There is no need for loud, booming fireworks when more silent and just as spectacular types of fireworks are available.

3) The place where the fireworks are detonated must change. They are being exploded far too close to the residential community.

4) The time that the fireworks begin must be done much earlier than 9:30 p.m.

By copy of this letter to Councilman Bill Peduto, Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, the Oakland Community Council, Oakland Planning and Development Corporation and the University Senate, I am also requesting that each of them set forth any additional solutions they may have and then take whatever appropriate actions they feel are needed to resolve these problems for the long-time residents of Oakland.

Sincerely,

Carlino Giampolo