Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Don't blame dark sky ordinance

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The outdoor lighting ordinances in Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley were not the result of one amateur astronomer wanting a dark sky. They were passed through a rigorous public process and supported by P&Zs, city councils and citizens of each town who want a quality of life at night.

That means no neighbor's light to keep you awake at night or to lower your natural melatonin production, no unsafe glare for drivers and pedestrians, no sky glow overhead and the preservation of beautiful views of the stars and planets.

I'm sorry Mr. Scheu had his accident. But as described, the events can hardly be attributed to the ordinance. His is the only night-time-vehicle-versus-pedestrian incident that I know of since the ordinances were passed, and this June marks the 10th anniversary of the Ketchum Dark Sky Ordinance, the valley's first.

Fully shielded, downward-shining lights without glare provide safety to both drivers and pedestrians. Our eyes work best at night when not insulted by glare.

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Each ordinance allows for as much light for safety as is deemed necessary as long as the light is fully shielded and shining downward where it is needed. Naturally, cities should promptly replace burned-out lamps, especially at crosswalks.

Steve Pauley, M.D.

Sun Valley