AURORA (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Officials in the City of Aurora said illegal fireworks were out of control over the Fourth of July week, and they plan to do something about it.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said the city received constant complaints about people blowing off fireworks in their neighborhoods.
“We as a city must focus on enforcement and consequences," he said.
The mayor announced at the City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting this week that he has asked his team to begin reviewing the city’s current illegal fireworks law and to come up with a revision that has more teeth. City Council members agreed with him.
Alderwoman Patty Smith said, “My poor dog has been, not just a little bit, but completely traumatized and I know many dogs across Aurora have been the same.”
Alderwoman Juany Garza said something must be done.
“Especially when the houses are very close together. Like the lady, they broke windows with the next door fireworks," Garza said.
Alderman Michael Seville suggested the answer may be bigger than Aurora and might need to be dealt with by state legislators.
“In my neighborhood, it looked like professional fireworks. They were huge and I don’t know where they’re getting them," he said.
Ald. Scheketa Hart-Burns said senior citizens were especially impacted.
“They was frightened so bad. Was going to 2 o’clock in the morning. You can’t sleep, because it was so loud and so bad. It’s like the total disrespect for the neighborhood. They’re going to do what they want to do.”
Mayor Irvin said there were constant complaints about illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend with calls to the city’s customer service number and 911 and emails to the mayor’s office.
“It has become intolerable for certain folks throughout our community, whether it be seniors, whether it be our children trying to get a good night’s sleep," Irvin said.
Mayor Irvin said consequences could include raising fines from the current $250.
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