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RE: "Public hearing to consider a proposed refiled amendment to Section
19.33 of the Zoning Ordinance, to include in the design review of proposed
developments a review of whether the outdoor lighting is designed to minimize
light pollution."
I am a 64 year old resident of the state. Since the
invention of the light bulb, outdoor light pollution has grown around the
developed world to become a health and safety issue, as well as a tremendous
waste of energy.
1. It is estimated by scientists that 30% of night
lighting is wasted because of poor quality design.
We are lighting up the universe with absolutely no
benefit to mankind and wasting precious non-renewable fossil fuels that should
be saved for future generations !
2. 'Full-cutoff lighting' allows no light above the
horizontal plane of the lamp and limits the hight of support poles to 25 ft.
above grade. It is the recommended solution by the International Illuminating
Engineering Society ( IES) because it puts light downward on the subject,
street, parking lot, etc., not into the eyes of pedestrians and drivers.
The luminaires use low wattage lamps that save energy.
For instance, why are parking lot luminaires left
on all night when a few faint night lights would provide security protection
?
3. The Health issue: changes in the circadian
rythyms of humans and all life forms with unknown long-term
effects.
4. Safety issue: ( This one directly affects all
older citizens, especially drivers, and myself ) When the
light from the lamp, filament, or emitter is exposed below the fixture or
shield, it causes significant scattered light in the eye-lens. The result
is a great loss of contrast, resulting in "Glare Disability" as defined by
the Mass. Medical Society. The worst offender are the new
High-Intensity-Disharge (HID) headlamps for cars. They are shielded for flat
stretches of road, but do not work in the hilly terrain of this
state.
5. Environmental Degradation: Over 5000 stars and the Milky Way cannot be
seen by the current generation of children because of uplight, unless they live
far from developed areas.
6. The United Nations and the U.S. Congress have
failed us, so it is up to local regulators to enact protective
measures.
I would greatly appreciate your support. There are
web sites that can provide additional technical data.
Yours Truly, signed oPAV
Paul A. Valleli
14 Marrett Rd., Burlington, MA 01803 |