Shelter Island “Dark Skies” Law Passes

John Mitty Sunday, July 28, 2013

A controversial proposition in the town of Shelte rIsland on Long Island has just passed into law.  The “Dark Skies” law limits outdoor illumination between the hours of sundown and sunup.  Outdoor lighting will still be permitted, but porch and landscape lights must be muted, and floodlights are now banned.  Light that crosses property lines is also no longer permissible. 

The town of Shelter Islandhas 2,000 residents.  While some are happy with the change, others are not, saying that they see the move as being overly totalitarian, and prefer their freedom.  According to Shelter Island officials, the US wastes something like $2 billion per year in energy costs associated with “over-lighting.”  Shelter Island Councilwoman Christine Lewis explains, “Darkness is not the enemy.  It isn’t necessary for security.  You don’t need to light your property so you’re safe.”  The other reason for the change is to improve nighttime sky visibility.  “We came up with a very reasonable and calm law that will preserve our dark skies while we still have them,” explained Supervisor James Dougherty.  While some homeowners will not be happy with the law, astronomy enthusiasts will certainly see it as a boon—while it lasts, as Dougherty indicates. 

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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