When we remodeled our small home, we opted for large windows. Daylight and bird watching were enhanced.
However, our ability to sleep and the birds’ ability to navigate were thwarted when, to my surprise and dismay, decorative street lamps were installed on our road. Armed with scientific data (www.tracyaviaryconservation.org/lightsoutsaltlake, www.sleepfoundation.org, www.cdc.gov, sleep.mysplus.com, www.health.harvard.edu, www.sleepfoundation.org, www.sleep.org), I contacted Jamie Stokes, community liaison office of the mayor, who referred me to Salt Lake City’s street lighting program manager, David Pearson.
I asked if the city had plans to cap these poorly designed street lamps. I was told the city has nothing to do with it. The city allowed some now-unknown, private company to sell and install these faux-gas lamps to individual homeowners.
The city has no plans, no budget, to retrofit existing street lamps. It is up to individual homeowners to make this decision and bear the expense. My conversations with my neighbor and my “I fight the light for birds” lawn sign have had no visible impact.
Street lamps and decorative house lighting continue to compete with both sunshine and starlight.
I appreciate Max Jansen’s optimism since I have lost mine.
Joyce Marder, Salt Lake City