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Boom, Lawsuit: Wayne Officials Threaten To Sue Pequannock Over Castle Fireworks

Fireworks loved by some and feared by others have caused tension between neighbors in Morris and Passaic counties.

Legacy Castle

Legacy Castle

Photo Credit: Legacy Castle FACEBOOK

Wayne Township officials are threatening to sue Pequannock and claiming booming fireworks are causing a disruption for residents, the Daily Record reports.

Mayor Christopher Vergano is blaming Pequannock officials for allowing Route 23's Legacy Castle to put on nighttime fireworks displays, the article says. Wayne officials maintain the explosions could be a violation of noise ordinances.

Vergano in October 2018 sent a letter published in the Daily Record to Pequannock officials:

"These menacing explosions last on average 20 to 30 minutes and happen numerous times throughout the year," the letter said. "During what should have been a quiet fall evening, my community was yet again rocked by the deafening detonations coming from Pequannock."

The following month, Pequannock Township Council set a limit of 24 fireworks displays annually for fireworks at the castle, and said that displays must end at 8:45 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and 9:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday during the school year.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays were off limits for fireworks displays during the school year. During summer months, fireworks must cease at 10 p.m.

Clients hosting events (weddings, proms, etc.) at the castle have the fireworks option -- although Legacy Castle Senior Vice President Gary Hillen said no displays are planned in the near future.

Pequannock Mayor David Kohle said township officials are working with the castle to resolve any issues, the Daily Record reports.

Several area residents complained that the fire works are a disturbance.

"Hate them! Especially with a daughter prone to strokes," one woman wrote on a Facebook comment. "I fear every time they go off that she'll have another brain aneurysm. But hey, I guess her life is worth less than tax revenue and entertainment."

Others enjoy the fireworks.

"We live on Virginia ave by the middle school n we love it we get to watch fireworks from our front bay window," a Facebook user said.

And some have different concerns.

"We live in the village," the man wrote on social media. "Doesn't bother us. If you ask me, stop the raising of houses instead."

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