
Musco lighting says this photo of lights in New Milford illustrates the focused nature of modern LED lighting. In the foreground is a working observatory.
Photo courtesy of Musco Lighting.
By John Fitts
CANTON — On Wednesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission heard varying opinions about a proposal for permanent lighting at the high school track and field facility but ultimately continued its public hearing until Nov. 16.
The school district is seeking a special permit use, special permit and site plan modification that would allow four 80-foot poles with dimmable LED lighting at the facility, school officials said. Light spillage is extremely well controlled with the new technology, according to school officials and
Essentially the commission can create a special standard for the facility that is outside the normal parameters of lighting in town while balancing community concerns. Members said it would have no bearing on future proposals.
“The commission should be cognizant of the wide range of public interests served by this type of municipal facility which should be balanced against the interests of single family residences that live in close proximity to this facility,” Neil S. Pade, Director of Planning and Community Development wrote in a memo on the proposal.
The district has proposed that the lights would be turned off by 10 p.m. except on rare occasion, by 11:30 p.m. School officials said the norm would be earlier, more like 8 to 8:30 p.m. The district is also proposing consideration for up to two overnight community events per year. … Continue Reading