If you had your Brooklyn Promenade or South Street Seaport firework-watching dreams shattered by Macy's last-minute move to Midtown (and only Midtown), here are some alternative viewing ideas that (as of Tuesday afternoon) seem not-too-nightmarish. As always, the earlier you go, the more likely it is you'll find comfortable place to sit for the duration.
Greenpoint: Transmitter Park at the end of Greenpoint Avenue will be OPEN again this year, though not the recreational pier that extends out over the water. And despite that construction monstrosity "The Greenpoint" possibly blocking certain sight lines, this seemed pretty prime when we stopped by this morning. The Java and India Street dead ends will also be open to the public tonight, pedestrian traffic only.
As with all viewing spots, at around 3 p.m. the NYPD will start their security checks (every officer we spoke to was deliberately vague about the exact details), and all areas will be closed whenever officers deem that they've reached "capacity." Note that in year's past, at least in certain locations, the NYPD has opened the gates to large waves of spectators right before the fireworks begin.
Pulaski Bridge: The sleeper hit viewing spot may well be the pedestrian walkway and bike lane anywhere near the crest of this Newton Creek span, with its expansive views out over the southern part of the show. Of course, blocking a bike lane for your personal viewing pleasure is rude and possibly unlawful, but really, is there any more American way to celebrate our country's birthday?
Gantry Plaza State Park (Scott Lynch/Gothamist)
Long Island City: Everything south of 48th Avenue on the water (basically Hunter's Point South Park) is closed for a private viewing party hosted by WNBC and Macy's, but Gantry Plaza State Park is wide open and a lovely spot to sit and picnic for many hours before the big show begins, especially in the grassy "bowl" just south of the Pepsi sign. This is also the only location that had people staking out spots as early as 11 a.m., so if you're really interested, you should probably get there before it's too late.
Midtown Manhattan: At midday the FDR was still open, with no lines forming to get in. The views here will be spectacular, but it seems impossible that this whole area won't be a giant clusterfuck come 5 p.m. or so.
Stuytown: A bit of a wild card, as it's hard to predict both the crowds and the sight lines from down here on 18th Street, but this could be a more pleasant and chill Manhattan option than 23rd, 34, or 42nd streets.
More 4th of July info for you:
- Here's a map of where the Macy's barges will be in the East River
- Here are the street closures incase you're driving
- Tip: You'll be able to see New Jersey's fireworks from Battery Park
