Residents’ petition led to changes in street lighting plans in a Pompano Beach neighborhood
Pompano Beach, Florida – In a neighborhood in Pompano Beach residents were unhappy with the installation of large, 30-foot light poles that they felt would create light pollution and have negative effects on the environment.
Cynthia Corbett-Elder, a resident of the area, presented a petition to the city commission on behalf of her neighbors demanding the installation of these poles be halted until residents were properly informed and approved the higher units.
Corbett-Elder cited a report from the American Medical Association and a study from the International Dark Sky Association which both recommend limiting street lighting to 3000k or less, while the proposed lighting was set to use 4000k.
City officials responded to Corbett-Elder’s concerns and, after several exchanges of emails, construction of the fixtures on her street was halted and city engineers began revising the plan. The revised plan included a reduction in the number of poles and a change in their location to reduce the impact on the environment. While Corbett-Elder felt that four poles would be sufficient, the revised plan included seven poles that were 30 feet high.
Corbett-Elder’s efforts to protect her neighborhood from overly bright streetlights demonstrate the importance of citizen action in ensuring that municipal projects are transparent and meet the needs of the community. It also highlights the impact that seemingly small choices, such as the type and location of streetlights, can have on the environment and quality of life for residents.
