The advertised special festivities being held the week of July 12 include a fireworks display the evening of July 19. However, the pyrotechnics company was late with getting a permit application to the township, which was due 30 days before the scheduled event.

“Per the ordinance, they have to come to the board of supervisors [for approval]. We actually got the application this morning,” said Hanover Township Manager Mark Hudson, noting that the company meets the insurance and bonding requirements.

Scott Hawkins of the Slatington-based Celebration Fireworks appeared before the board of supervisors during the June 24 meeting to request a waiver of the deadline to file a fireworks permit.

The fireworks show is expected to last seven to 10 minutes and will use two-inch shells. “An average city [fireworks] display will have anywhere from four- to eight-inch shells. A two-inch shell is designed to not go any higher than 200 feet and break and has a much smaller break radius than the larger shells,” Hawkins said.

Hudson told the board that Celebration Fireworks has permission from Green Leaf Productions to use their parking lot off Commerce Way to launch the fireworks. Safety regulations require the spectators for a fireworks display using two-inch shells to be outside of a 150-foot radius of the launch area, he said.

According to Hawkins, local fire department monitoring for the show has been arranged and it would be canceled should a burn ban be put into effect.

When supervisors chair Susan Lawless noted that there was “an occupied structure” within the 150-foot radius, Hawkins said, “The structure within the safety zone, we’ve been assured, will be empty during the display.”

Resident Jennifer Levins also mentioned the building and expressed concerns about a professional fireworks display in this area. “To me, it’s too close. And I say that as a lover of fireworks,” she said, adding that Hanoverville Road House should get consent from the property owner.

When Lawless asked how loud the explosions would be, Hawkins said, “There are some fireworks designed specifically just to make noise. We’ve been advised to stay away from those and be neighbor-friendly.”

Mentioning people and pets that could be sensitive to loud noise, Lawless said that a condition of a waiver would be giving residents in the area advance notice about the fireworks display.

“A neighbor notification radius is set by the governing body. So whatever you guys set, we will comply with,” Hawkins said.

Township resident Glynis Daniels voiced her objection. “I really don’t care for that. Fireworks are fun, but we forget that they also have a negative impact. There are environmental issues and there’s air pollution and it disturbs birds. If the neighbors have a baby or a dog, why should they have to bug out on this particular evening just because the Road House wants to have a party,” she said.

The board unanimously approved the waiver of the permit deadline 4-0. Supervisor John Diacogiannis was absent.