The third time was not the charm for lights on 2 athletic fields.
The Planning & Zoning Commission once again delayed a decision on the Parks & Recreation Commission request, for the Wakeman B and PJ Romano Fields.
At last night’s Zoom meeting, Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri and recreation superintendent Carmen Roda presented charts and graphs showing field usage, the number of participants in current programs (including those turned away because of lack of space), the impact of 50-, 60- and 70-foot poles, and the deterioration of grass fields due to overuse (without the availability of lit, synthetic turf surfaces).
They cited the support of several hundred youth sports families, and groups like the Westport Soccer Association and Westport PAL.
Rendering of 4 70-foot light poles at Wakeman B Field.
However, the majority of speakers — nearly all of them neighbors — objected to the plan. Many cited a lacrosse tournament last weekend, sponsored by a private organization, that brought noise, traffic, even outdoor barbecues to the Wakeman fields.
Other objections included the height of the poles, the effect on the environment, the length of time lights would stay on, field usage by adults and outside (non-school and town) groups, and how well Parks & Rec would manage oversight of the lights.
Attorney Joel Green, representing the ad hoc “Lights Need Limits” group, questioned whether the lights plan met the P&Z’s own requirements.
But one neighbor — John Sabino, who said he is the second-closest neighbor to Wakeman — spoke in favor of lights. The sound of children playing, even air horns, was preferable to “the deafening silence” of youngsters using cellphones and computer screens, he said.
Rendering of 70-foot light poles at PJ Romano Field.
Though 2 fields are in the Parks & Rec proposal — and the P&Z agenda included both Wakeman and PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School — nearly all of the discussion centered around the Bedford Middle School property.
The P&Z voted unanimously to continue the hearing to July 20.
To see last night’s full Parks & Recreation Department proposal, click here. To see all materials relating to the lights proposals — including plans, letters from interested parties, etc. — click here; then scroll down to 70 North Avenue (for Wakeman B) and 170 Riverside Avenue (for PJ Romano).
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The impact on surrounding homes is real. When I lived in RI, adjacent to a city park with a ball-field, lights went up with no discussion. Life became very difficult because the lights stayed on with a limit of 10 PM. The crowd noise was bad enough; but, the light pollution was even worse.
Why was the hearing extended to July? Is there new data and/perspective required to effectively make a decision? Doubt very much and new info will be forthcoming that changes the decision. What’s the presumably political value in delaying?
Parks & Rec will withdraw and resubmit the 8/24 plan, for administrative timing purposes.