Are "Dark Skies" Important? It Depends Who You Ask

An Explorer article addresses the "Dark Sky" Issue---whether businesses keep lights on throughout the night, or not.

Many business owners say it's necessary to help their business, especially in a down economy.

Many homeowners, and the scientific community say "no;" it's a distraction.

Ultimately, the Oro Valley Council will decide what is best, but not until Aug. 2010 at the earliest. In the meantime, a compromise may be in order.

Here's The Explorer article.

Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Department staffers have asked the council to approve a plan to initiate a comprehensive review of the town’s sign code, and offer specific revisions.

If passed, planning and zoning officials would review numerous aspects of the town sign code, such as standards for permanent signs, master sign programs, window signage, temporary signs and lighting standards.

The last issue was the focus of much controversy at an August council meeting, when numerous members of the business community showed up to advocate for more relaxed standards. They wanted the town to allow signs to remain lighted through the night as a way to help the business community.

Some residents, however, protested that excessive illumination would negatively impact their quality of life.

Members of the scientific community who attended that meeting asked the town council to help keep the night skies dark. They said the observatories of Southern Arizona help bring millions into the economy, and they rely upon the darkness.

The planning and zoning department wants to work with a task force comprised of members of the community and business leaders to advise on changes to the comprehensive sign code.

A tentative schedule would include task force meetings through the middle of next year, followed by the planning and zoning commission making a recommendation on the group’s findings.

Following that, the council would receive the recommendation and revised sign code next August.