By David Fleet
Editor
Atlas Twp.- The township is getting brighter—well too bright for at least one area resident.
On Nov. 18, Trish Marie a Maple Avenue resident suggested the township establish a Lighting Ordinance, an outdoor designed to help municipalities develop outdoor lighting standards that reduce glare, light trespass, and sky glow.
“We’d like to maintain rural character that bad lighting disrupted,” said Marie. “When someone has bright lighting aimed directly at your property it would be easily resolvable with a lighting ordinance.”
Marie referred to Brighton Township who approved a lighting ordinance to address, illumination that disrupts sleep, disorienting wildlife, wasting energy, sky glow and health reasons. She also said other residents would support some regulations regarding lights.

Rick Misek, township planning commission chairperson said the discussion of a lighting ordinance began in November and will continue at the Dec.18 meeting.
“The township currently has an ordinance that addresses down-lighting,” said Misek. “Right now the commission will be taking a look at other light regulations that might be out there, with an eye toward possibly adopting or not adopting an ordinance.”
Misek said the commission may consider an ordinance for example that addresses shining a light in such a way that creates a hazard or quality of life issue or a right to enjoy your property without an outside disturbance that prevents such enjoyment.
Currently the township has home (business) occupation ordinances, “can and can’t do” regarding businesses. In areas with commercial or industrial businesses the township only allows down-lighting.
“Concerns would be businesses with noxious odors, smoke, traffic or glare,” he said. “In no way should a business have a sensory impact on the neighbors. Many residents, currently have security lighting on utility poles—which raises issues of the level of sensory disturbance to the peaceful enjoyment of your property.”