Improving Lighting In Southbury Generates A Lot Of Interest

SOUTHBURY, CT — At a Board of Selectmen held earlier this week First Selectman Jeffrey Manville updated members and the community over a streetscape project and the request to improve lighting along Main Street South.

In a letter, the Southbury Economic Development Commission makes it clear its feelings about lighting on Main Street South.

Here is the full letter:

Dear Streetscape Committee,

We the members of the Southbury Economic Development Commission have been very involved in maintaining the beauty and charm of Main Street South. We have been working with the Streetscape Committee to keep the momentum going with our Flag Program. Lighting is a big part of our vision with the flag placement, so that their glory can even be seen at night.

This is also vital to the businesses in town that this thoroughfare is keep attractive and inviting. The Streetscape in Southbury’s is our biggest asset. The amount of time and money that has been spent to create the way Main Street looks cannot be matched by any surrounding town. They are just beginning their efforts

Over the last three years, as you know, the lighting has become almost non-existent. The retro fit that was done in the past has been failing. Recently, the EDC has been made aware of the research that has been done regarding new lighting and we were very impressed by the time and energy spent to help make the right decision on lighting. With this forethought, we are in agreement that it would help commerce on Main Street. The lighting is a part of a very large asset that is continually maturing.

The Southbury Economic Commission implores you to maintain the beautiful globes that has become synonymous with our Main Street and restore them to their former radiance. This will ensure a welcoming environment for both citizens and commerce.

Sincerely,

Anne ArmenoChair, Southbury Economic Development Commission

The Southbury Business Association also supports the project. "The Southbury Business Association strongly supports the Southbury Streetscape decision to maintain the design of the current globes ,with an increase in brightness and efficiency. We feel that great lighting is essential for supporting commerce and public safety."

Jack Zazzaro DMD. and John Eimer, Co- Presidents SBA

A full recap of the selectmen's recent discussion is included below. However, there are numerous documents, photos and slides you can read that go very in-depth on the lighting issue. Click here to view those at the very end of the packet.

First Selectman Manville explained that the upcoming presentation is in response to questions raised at the last meeting with regard to the transparency and expertise surrounding the process to choose a "fix" for the lights along Main Street South.

Mr. Hugh Sullivan presented an overview of his background as well as the history of streetscape. Mr. Don Antilla presented his background and a detailed account of the process that the lighting working group used to determine the best course of action for the repair of the streets cape lighting. Extensive testing was completed with the results as shown in the attached presentation.

Discussion ensued as to whether the "fix" is dark sky compliant as well as compliant with the town regulations. Mr. Antilla explained that after all of the research and testing it was determined that the fix is dark sky compliant and meets the town regulations.

Selectman Rosen questioned whether the town is compliant with State or Federal standards. Mr. Antilla replied that he is unaware of those kinds of standards. Is this a quality of life change that is proposed or is it a
liability issue, asked Selectman Rosen? Discussion ensued. Mr. Sullivan explained that the current lighting is ten percent of industry standard.

Mrs. Curtis addressed the board to clarify that Mr. Sullivan did not do the streetscape design; rather William Presley Associates did the design. There was extensive research done by committee before the lighting was chosen which is why, aside from the design aesthetic, the lighting design should be left as is.

Selectman Bertram gave a brief overview of his credentials, which include electrical engineering. He explained that the working group considered all options for repair, and after much consideration concluded that the recommendation is the way to go.

Selectman Naylor took exception to one of the slides in the presentation, which quoted her with regard to the change to induction bulbs back in 2010.

Selectman Naylor then read a memo from former First Selectman Davis with regard to the lighting change that was done in 2010. This memo is attached to these minutes.

Selectman Buchsbaum thinks it would be beneficial to all if the information compiled to date were given to an independent third party expert to review and make a recommendation, this would add a level of protection that would benefit the town and its volunteers.

Selectman Rosen agreed, and asked that the quote attributed to Selectman Naylor be omitted when the information is passed on to a third party. After some discussion, it was agreed that the First Selectman would
contact the town's on-call engineering firms in order to determine what an analysis like this would cost.