May 6, 2019 By Christian Murray

Long Island City had a four-year run but now its Brooklyn Bridge’s turn.

Macy’s announced Friday that this year’s 4th of July Fireworks will take place in the Brooklyn Bridge area, with the shells and special effects being shot from the famous bridge and four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District in Manhattan.

Long Island City had been the central point for the fireworks from 2015 through 2018, with Macy’s using Hunters Point South Park as its base and igniting the fireworks from barges on the East River near the park and north Brooklyn.

The fireworks were a boon to Long Island City that brought more than 50,000 spectators each year to the waterfront, according to police figures at the time. Furthermore, famous performers—such as Flor Rida and pop stars Robin Thicke and Meghan Trainor—performed at Hunters Point South Park leading up to the event for pre-recording each year.

Macy’s did not expressly say why it elected to move the fireworks farther down the East River. However, it estimates that millions of spectators will gather for the event, with the bulk of them congregating at Pier 17, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Promenade.

Frank Raffaele, the CEO and founder of the Long Island City-based Coffeed, said he was disappointed that Macy’s moved them but is hopeful they will come back in years to come.

“It was amazing for Long Island City and Queens when they were here,” Raffaele said. “They will come back. Long Island City should be home of the fireworks,” he said.

“We have the parks and the skyline. People get to see the iconic Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and UN Building in the background–all while celebrating our country’s birthday.”