After nine public hearings and more than two and a half years of deliberation, the Southampton Town Board this week approved legislation to impose tougher “dark skies” restrictions on outdoor lighting on private properties.
With a 4-1 vote on Tuesday, the board amended the town code to include a chapter for outdoor lighting regulations. The new chapter is intended to preserve the town’s rural character while advancing progressive environmental policies, said Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, the legislation’s sponsor.
After the board’s vote, Joy Flynn of Quogue, a member of the Dark Skies Association, gave Ms. Graboski a small red poinsettia in commemoration of the legislation’s passage.
“At the end of the day, what I think we have going forward is comprehensive and clear standards for residential and commercial lights,” Ms. Graboski said. “Going forward,... more
With a 4-1 vote on Tuesday, the board amended the town code to include a chapter for outdoor lighting regulations. The new chapter is intended to preserve the town’s rural character while advancing progressive environmental policies, said Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, the legislation’s sponsor.
After the board’s vote, Joy Flynn of Quogue, a member of the Dark Skies Association, gave Ms. Graboski a small red poinsettia in commemoration of the legislation’s passage.
“At the end of the day, what I think we have going forward is comprehensive and clear standards for residential and commercial lights,” Ms. Graboski said. “Going forward,... more
Ones that will go on automatically, and extinguish after an "acceptable" amount of time.
Y'know, on a new moon in my backyard, as long at there isn't any light pollution, the stars are incredible, and, you can time the low orbit sattelites as they pass over. You can see them with the naked eye, and even time them with a stopwatch, should you be so inclined.
We can't really see the night sky, its as if we all have cataracts and don't seem to realize it. Travel in a plane at night and you can seen the milky cloud of light across the entire northeast.
It is time to stop being afraid of the dark.