Pitt Homecoming Fireworks

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

August 10, 2010

Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith

RE: Pitt’s Homecoming Week Fireworks

Dear Councilwoman Kail-Smith,

I am sending you this letter because you are the Chairperson of the Public Safety Services Committee.

Attached is my letter to Councilman Bruce Kraus of August 5 concerning Pitt’s Homecoming Week, and in particular, the University’s fireworks display.

On August 9, I met with (Name withheld) of Pitt’s Program Council because the Council is responsible for the fireworks event at Pitt’s Homecoming Week. I asked him where the fireworks originated from, and he said Mazeroski Field. That field, as you may know, is as close as 100 yards to some homes in our neighborhood.

I then asked him if decibel readings were done last year during the fireworks. His reply was that Pitt Police did the readings and the decibels were within the legal limits.

I would like to request that you follow-up for our community with the Pitt Police Department to determine where the readings were taken last year, and what the decibel readings were. Also, ask any other questions you feel may be relevant.

As I mentioned in the attached letter, my father was awakened by the booming noises of the firebombs. Also, the house and windows seemed to shake, and the sound of the exploding fireworks felt as if it was going through my body. I mentioned this incident to a neighbor and he said that his father thought a plane had landed on the roof of their home during a past fireworks display.

In addition to the above request, our community would like to know from you what are the laws governing the use of fireworks in a residential community, especially one in which many of the residents are elderly. For Oakland, there is also the consideration that needs to be taken of the numerous hospital patients in the neighborhood.

Also, please enlighten our community as to the complete process that Pitt must go through to receive permission for its fireworks event.

Our community looks forward to your assistance and your response.

Sincerely,

Carlino Giampolo