Mitchell Park West Neighbors

I met with Mark Richwine and Sam Thompson (Mr. Pohlit’s supervisor).  We talked for about an hour. They listened to all my concerns  and ‘took ownership’ of the lack of clear communication by Mr. Pohlit.  Mr. Richwine said the brightness of the lights is a matter of industry standards and avoiding legal liability.  Aesthetics don’t come in to play.

We discussed the full range of options including taking out the lights completely and additional landscaping to soften the impact of the new lights.  Mr. Richwine spoke of  ‘a continuum’ of possibilities from doing nothing, to amelioration – landscaping, etc.,  to taking the lights out completely (which IS a possibility, if the neighborhood supports it.  They are reusable in other places).  He spoke of ‘not making the same mistake’ in terms of communication moving forward with the park and the lighting situation.  He wants to get a feel for the community consensus on this issue, starting with our conversation and continuing with the Thursday meeting with the committee. 

He DID promise to plant a ‘specimen’ tree replacing the diseased tree in the park behind my house to help soften the impact of the lights on my property.

I would like to see the lights removed or the schedule severely curtailed.  I would appreciate any support you are willing to give me on this. 

Mr. Richwine and Mr. Thompson understand this.  Now they’re looking for input from others.

That’s it in a nutshell. 

If you have any questions, let me know.

Bruce

BRUCE- HAVE THE COMMITTEE PLACE THIS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING. REQUEST THAT ALL BOARD MEMBERS VISIT THE AREA AT NIGHT PRIOR TO THE MEETING, INCLUDING CONTACTING YOU SO THAT THEY DONT LOOK SUSPICIOUS IN THE ALLEY AND PERHAPS TO VIEW THE IMPACT ON YOUR BACKYARD.

AND THEN SHOW UP YOURSELF AT THE BOARD MEETING TO STATE YOUR CASE TO THE BOARD. YOU GOTTA BUILD CONCENSUS. THE BOARD IS THE BEST PLACE TO START.

-MARK

MY RECENT OBSERVATIONS ON THE NEW LIGHTS AT THE BASKETBALL COURT:

1. I noticed this past Friday and Saturday night that the basketball court lights came on about 7 pm. However, there was no one using the court from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Unfortunately once the lights are switched on they will not go off until 10:30 pm. 

2. One night earlier this past week a group of soccer players discovered they now have enough light to play at the east end of the field until 10:30 if they like. The group played until about 9 pm, however they continually screamed and whistled as part of their playing.  Unfortunately after 8 pm that kind of noise seems to magnify.

3. I was driving north coming home up Judd street about 8 pm one night an I looked up to my surprise I could now see the lights of the basketball court overtop Bruce and Celia's house. That was kind of surprising.

4. This is interesting. I looked over toward the B court the other night and there was someone who had discovered he could sit at the picnic table on the north side of the court where he could now read a book.

I guess we used to have a Park that happened to have a basketball court where folks could enjoy playing basketball.  Now, maybe we have a basketball court that has very bright lights and has great light for playing basketball that happens to have a park surrounding it.

Hopefully the neighborhood can have a discussion allowing everyone's point of view on this new issue and be considerate on how the lights may be desirable to some and yet have an undesirable impact on others. 

Mac

Good observations, Mac.

Thanks,

Bruce