Questions are being asked about the placement of the lights, which are not only in close proximity to one another but also in many places redundant to existing park lights and Sheridan Road street lights. Residents have also wondered why all of this lighting is kept on all night, when the park officially closes at 11 pm.
These concerns seem all the more relevant when compared to the Lakefront Master Plan, which was developed with extensive citizen involvement and approved by the City Council. The first page of the plan calls for the use of low energy LED light fixtures, and "occupancy and daylight sensors would ensure that lights are not left on when not needed." Later in the document, the Lakefront Master Plan calls for the park lighting to be based on a concept known as "dark sky lighting," the goal of which is to promote energy efficiency by lighting only the areas needed for recreation and safety rather than wasting energy sending light uselessly up into the sky. Yet, the lights along the bike path are mounted on tall pedestals and cast what has been described as a "curtain of light" along the lakefront.
On a recent night, 1st Ward Alderman Judy Fiske walked the lakefront with city staff, including Doug Gaynor and Stefanie Levine, who are responsible for the design and maintenance of the lighting system. Judy shared the following with SEA. "City staff and I walked through the park, and I asked the same questions you raise (staff responses in parentheses): can we dim the lights (no), install lower wattage bulbs (maybe), turn some of the lights off at night (not sure) or install some type of light shield (perhaps)."
When she asked about the rationale for installing so much lighting and keeping it on all night, Fiske was told by city staff that "... it is easier for the police to see all the way into the park at night from their patrol cars with brighter lighting." Ironically, the Lakefront Master Plan makes no reference to security concerns along the bike path, and recommends that any concerns about trespassers hanging out at the beaches after hours are best addressed by the installation of security lighting that is activated by motion detectors.
Staff members agreed to look into alternatives and get back to Alderman Fiske within weeks. As of this date, Ms. Fiske has not received what she considers to be an adequate response. SEA Breeze will follow up and keep SEA members informed.
