Dark Skies Subcommittee

Dark Skies Committee

Charge

Background:

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing exponentially with population growth and advances in lighting technologies. The introduction of light in places, times, spectra, and intensities that do not occur naturally poses a serious threat to our ecosystem, and to human health. A growing body of literature shows that ALAN disrupts circadian rhythms and bird migration patterns and impairs the functions of both nocturnal and diurnal insects, animals and humans. ALAN can, therefore, negatively affect food webs and animal and insect populations and may reduce our ability to produce food. Significantly, reducing light pollution also improves our ability to gaze at the beauty of the night sky.

Safety is often used as an argument for extensive lighting at night; however, emerging data provides compelling evidence that reducing street and municipal lighting can save cost and energy without increasing crime and traffic collisions.

The technology of light engineering is improving consistently, as is research on the adverse effects of light pollution. With this deeper understanding, global and local organizations are implementing guidelines and recommendations to limit negative impacts of artificial light.

Lincoln has historically been at the forefront of addressing ALAN through existing controls on exterior lighting that were integrated into our zoning bylaw over 10 years ago; however, recent research and new technological advances in lighting provide us with an even greater opportunity to update our existing approach and take further steps to enhance and protect our dark sky. In order to take these new steps, the Planning Board, at its' May 28, 2024, meeting established a lighting subcommittee.

The tasks of the Dark Skies Committee will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Identify areas of concern throughout town (including municipal and institutional outdoor lighting).
Engage in outreach and education concerning both indoor and outdoor lighting.
Engage town staff and the greater Lincoln community in an inclusive process.
Generate reference material that informs and educates Town boards, institutions and citizens about the benefits of limiting ALAN and the tools available to implement a municipal program to limit ALAN.
Review existing lighting throughout town and research and explore a sunset provision to promote the reduction of ALAN from existing light sources.
Submit a report to the Planning Board of its work and conclusions, including recommendations for polices, amendments to the zoning or other bylaws of the Town, and other Town action it deems advisable.

The Committee shall be made up of 9 members, all appointed by the Planning Board comprised of the following:

1 representative of the Planning Board
4 representatives from town Committees, Commissions or Boards
5 at-large members from the community

Timetable:

Key target milestones will include the Fall State of the Town Meetings and the Annual Town Meetings.

Open Meeting Law & Public Records

The Dark Skies Committee is a sub-committee of the Planning Board and is therefore subject to the requirements of the Open Meeting Law (e.g., advance notice of meetings, agendas, minutes, production of documents when requested, etc.). Further, any subcommittees of the Dark Skies Committee, charged with carrying out specific tasks of the Dark Skies committee are also subject to the Open Meeting and Public Records Laws.

Issued By the Planning Board

Sherry Haydock, Chair

Craig Nicholson, Co-Chair & Planning Board Liaison

Members: Buzz Constable, Ken Hurd, Diana Smith, Sherry Haydock, Kathleen Lomatoski, Ginny Lemire, Susan KatzSliski, Roy Harvey, Frank Clark

Lincoln Dark Skies Committee Survey Invitation

The Dark Skies Subcommittee of Lincoln 's Planning Board works to raise awareness about preserving our starry nights and promotes environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. The purpose of this anonymous survey is to explore the level of understanding residents have regarding Lincoln's Dark Skies initiative and where there may be gaps in knowledge. Each section is brief and designed to guide follow up educational information.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDNMBjiwl07ArF6l-ygkhoyEJube1Nyp7T5hUkT_blC7xRgw/viewform?usp=header

or Scan QR Code :