A letter from a Concerned Citizen

Councilman Eastburn,

Thank you for writing. I am responding your your message asking me exactly what I am objecting to when it comes to the passage of the street light proposal. I will clarify my position.

As I am sure you are aware, there has been some press regarding statements I have made about migratory birds and nocturnal animals. This has diluted the real issue: POOR AND DANGEROUS OUTDOOR LIGHTING PRACTICES.

But since some have labeled me as promoting a "Save the Geese" campaign, I will start there.

--- REGARDING MIGRATORY BIRDS AND NOCTURNAL ANIMALS ---

As quoted in the Sunday, December 22, 2002 Metro Section of the Gazette:

"Utilities board member and Councilman Ted Eastburn was aware of Matt’s concerns and actually raised the issue. 'Have we checked into light pollution, nocturnal mating habits and the wildlife urban interface?' Eastburn jokingly asked a Utilities official as loud laughter filled the room."

Your "joke" is in direct conflict with the Wildlife & Habitat section of the CSU website, which you are a Board Member. The link is: http://www.csu.org/environment/wildlife_habitat/wildlife.html.

I quote directly from the HABITAT ASSESSMENTS section of that page: "Prior to disturbing habitat, surveys are conducted to ensure migratory birds will not be impacted."

Secondly, this is a direct breach of the Colorado Springs Utility Environmental Policy Recommendations. Section 7 reads "Colorado Springs Utilities will strive to protect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and wetlands during construction and operation of its facilities."

I truely cannot believe that a CSU Board Member would make a mockery out of an environmental issue such as this, when you as a Board Member are to uphold the stated values and beliefs of the CSU as well as the Environmental Policy Recommendations. Secondly, I cannot believe that a Council Member would laugh and joke in a public forum about a constituants concern. That Councilman, is unacceptable.

--- OVERVIEW: WHY MY FAMILY CHOSE COLORADO SPRINGS ---

I will be moving to the Colorado Springs area in March with my wife and 5 year old twins. There are several reasons why my family chose your city.

Most importantly was the school system. We researched a lot of areas, and many areas scored really well on national test score rankings.

Secondly, we wanted a clean environment. When we were there, we could feel it in the air. I got the same feeling in the Black Forest as I did when I was walking through the woods in northern Minnesota where there wasn't a city within 100 miles. You could also feel it at night, the crisp and clean air, with stars glowing abundantly everywhere!

One of our employees is making the move with us. She had the opportunity to visit at the beginning of November. One of the first things she said to my wife was, "Wow, take a look at the night sky. That is just incredible."

Third, we desired a city that was growing, had a medium sized population, had access to an International Airport within 50 miles, and could support our business. Colorado Springs met ALL of those needs.

--- THE REAL ISSUE: POOR AND DANGEROUS OUTDOOR LIGHTING PRACTICES ---

Since we made our plans to move to your area about two years ago, I've noticed some big changes in that time. The city is growing, which is good, but some areas of development and control have been neglected. The example that sticks out in my mind the most is the extremely dangerous lighting practices of Motor City.

This excessive lighting causes extreme amounts of glare, which can cause driving fatalities, contributes greatly to light pollution and basically defines light tresspass without words.

It is quite evident from this example alone, that the City of Colorado Springs needs an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to control those who are currently polluting our environment.

Street lights are also a major source of light pollution.

The Colorado State Legislature has done a good job at passing HB01-1160 which explains what good lighting practices should entail. This bill specifically has to do with state funding of outdoor lighting, but it is a good model for overall lighting practices: http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/olls/sl2001/sl.203.htm . In Section 1, Item D, The Colorado State Legislature has determined "Properly aimed lighting can minimize light trespass and pollution, reduce glare, and improve the view of the night sky, thereby preserving one of Colorado's natural resources.

Now, constituants are looking at a lighting proposal that will definitely affect the natural resource of our night sky. As far as any consituants are concerned, the Council has approved this tax increase without giving any firm answers on how they arrived at that decision. For example: