I’m a Northampton resident who has made myself conscious of what research is showing that most humans and other species experience but don’t necessarily realize — that light pollution is harmful. Not just annoying, but actively harmful, to our eyes, to our brains, to our safety. And harmful to non-human species’ ability to hunt, travel, eat, sleep, reproduce; in short, to survive on an already hostile planet.
That is why I support the city’s efforts to bring the latest science to bear in updating its lighting ordinance. These changes are overdue, and I commend Planning Director Carolyn Misch for prioritizing them. I fully appreciate the support of our resident lighting expert, Smith College Astronomy Professor James Lowenthal, in helping to fine tune the ordinance. Collaborations such as these improve our community.
Lilly Lombard
Northampton