As we all know, the NPCCC (Chamber of Commerce) is advocating a "dusk to dawn" lighting code.
This is TOTALLY CRAZY!!!
This item is on the Council agenda tomorrow night.
The zoning code amendment would permit wall signs to be illuminated until 10 P.M. or to be turned off immediately after closing, whichever is later.
Please read what our good friend Phil Richardson has to say on this issue.
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It is an irony that in its attempt to cause the Oro Valley Town Council to relax a curfew on lighting for business signage this week following a public hearing, the Northwest Pima Council Chamber of Commerce could damage the unique advantage southern Arizona holds in Astronomy and the Optical Sciences; an economic impact of $240-million annually. Each of us in Arizona benefits from a multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure by universities and governments worldwide, according to Elizabeth Alvarez, spokesperson for Kitt Peak National Observatory with whom I spoke this week. Horizontal light diffusion and the strident colors used in lighted business signs degrade viewing. She said, every little diversion from good policy is like "The Death of a Thousand Cuts." Instead of considering the measure promoted by NWPCCC, The Oro Valley Town Council should strengthen its support in every way of the good practices promoted by the International Dark Skies Association and adopted in 1972 by Tucson and Pima County. That's good business for everyone.
-Phil Richardson
2 comments:
Since when does the Chamber care about the environment?
Having read the agenda 'packet' for this issue to be taken up at tomorrow night's Council meeting, the two samples of businesses that are part of the campaign to extend the hours for 'wall lit signs' are
Flynn dentistry on Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Baggins Restaurant on Oracle.
Any dentist who feels the need for a lit sign in order to advertise his/her business must lack in skills 'cause, those medical and dental professionals with whom I have ever dealt emphasize that it is by 'word of MOUTH' that they BUILD their businesses or, in the case of special cosmetic surgery or dentistry, print advertising and/or radio or TV ads can assist. Traveling Rancho Vistoso Blvd at night or DAY is useless for a 'dental'type of business; who's looking for a dentist after dark while going 45 mph or even doing same during the day for that matter.
As to Baggins, they have a HORRID sign that cannot even be read during the day from Oracle Road.
Do they think that people going into or coming out of Chili's are going to squint and say 'wow, a sandwich place, I must go there'. Everyone in Oro Valley should know that Baggins is where it is IF they are interested in having a sandwich (I personally prefer driving several miles to go elsewhere). Baggin's sign, as well as most of the others in that center is POOR, POOR, POOR! Dark brown, small letters - need a telescope to see it and going by at 45 mph it's just a blur. If Baggin's needs more exposure, let 'em put an ad in a local blurb; others do it.
This con game has got to stop. Signs are NOT advertising - good business practices providing better goods and services ARE and THEY make a whale of a difference in these types of industries. Just ask an established dentist or a good eatery.
AND, this issue is just a sham for the NPCCC and shows that this 'non-profit' needs an appearance of doing something in order to retain a foothold within the community; in this instance they are WRONG and can only hurt local business by alienating the PEOPLE. WHAT FOOLS THESE PRETENDERS BE!
IN ADDITION, one of the reasons I selected Oro Valley to live out my years is because it was supposed to remain quite and dark (BY ORDINANCE!); any business that tries to screw me out of this ideal will lose the potential for my patronage.
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