Plan Now or Replace Lights Later

It pays to think about the neighbors before you install outdoor lighting, as two Connecticut business owners learned recently. Occasionally, authorities can force changes that will force contractors to install new, glare-limiting fixtures.
Photo: www.brte.com.au

Country Club Controversy

In Wilton, Conn., lighting drove much of the discussion about Rolling Hills Country Club at a recent meeting.

According to the project’s landscape architect, Earl Goven of Blades and Goven LLC, lighting fixtures would be replaced in the parking lot, dropping from the current height of 20 feet down to 12-foot poles to make the lot “more pedestrian friendly.”

“The lighting is a crucial concern,” said Sally Poundstone, commission chair.

The International Dark-Sky Association web site is a great place to learn about what the group calls “Best Choice Lighting.” Information on certified fixtures and best practices: www.darksky.org

Mr. Goven said to prevent light from the parking lot from spilling out into the neighboring residential area, the club planned to plant pine and spruce trees along the Hurlbutt Street border. Members of the commission asked for more information on the current lighting conditions and spillage.

In Monroe, Conn., the Monroe Food Mart is appealing a cease-and-desist order requiring it to stop using bright lighting fixtures and computer screens at its gas pumps.

Gas Station Overflow

Zoning Enforcement Officer John J. Brandt said a week ago he had issued the order to Khalil El Jamal, owner of the store, after being made aware of the situation by the complaint filed by Ms. Harris. The Harris property abuts the gas station.

The fixtures now have globes that spread the light over the site and into the surrounding area, causing “light pollution,” he said.

If the owner had installed recessed lighting, there would not have been a problem, Brandt said.

Sources: zwire.com, acorn-online.com