Florida Town Opts for Dark Sky Lighting
HARMONY, Florida, February 18, 2003 (ENS) – The town of Harmony has become the largest private community in the U.S. to adopt anti-light pollution policies.
Harmony is installing special light fixtures on all streets and public parks that will help curb light pollution.
“Excessive urban lighting isn’t just a nuisance for those of us who still enjoy gazing at the stars in the night sky,” said Greg Golgowski, conservation director of the Florida development that is now taking root within 11,000 acres of pristine land in Central Florida’s Osceola County. “It also has grave environmental consequences for animals.”
Light pollution from parking lots, street lamps and other sources is devastating to certain bird species, disorienting them during nighttime migrations. A lack of darkness at night also has been linked to chronic fatigue and depression in humans.
These are some of the reasons why Harmony is dedicated to the notion of Dark Sky lighting. That means that lighting in all public areas will be directed downward. Energy efficient low wattage bulbs will help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that escapes into the air. Dark Sky friendly street lamps and other outdoor lighting fixtures will be installed throughout Harmony.
While Harmony’s commitment to Dark Sky lighting will cost a bit more than if the town had opted for typical lighting fixtures, the community’s stewards believe this feature will result in higher real estate values for homeowners.
“We could have settled on using cheaper lighting,” Golgowski said. “But what we’re building at Harmony is our own home town, a place where you can sit on your front porch and point out the Big Dipper in the night sky to your children. We want to do our part to make sure this development showcases the natural world, which is already full of wonder and beauty.”
When completed, Harmony will be home to some 18,000 people. It is designed to be among the nation’s most environmentally intelligent communities, with 70 percent of its lands set aside for wilderness. The community’s two 500 acre lakes will not have homes on their shores and will not allow powered boats.
All homes will be Energy Star rated, and neighborhoods will be a mix of affordable, smaller homes and larger, more expensive homes.
The town will also be home to The Harmony Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes human health and well being through interactions with nature and animals. The Institute’s Campus Advisory Board (HICAB) advises the community about animal and environmental issues, including its lighting.
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Posted by: Paul on February 19, 2003 at 07:47:53