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NJAA Light Pollution Update

Several small but positive developments are underway in New Jersey. NJAA members can help keep them moving.

Highway Lighting
As a test, the NJDOT will replace lighting at the I-287/South Randolphville Road interchange in Piscataway, Middlesex County. A mix of low-glare and full-cutoff fixtures will replace the existing, high-glare fixtures. The improved lighting should be installed soon, and no later than early spring 2002. If successful, NJDOT will utilize the new fixtures in other projects. The new bridge being constructed to carry Route 9 across the Raritan River in Middlesex County will utilize full-cutoff lighting. Some full-cutoffs have already been installed along the approaches.

Local Outdoor Lighting Ordinances
YOU CAN HELP ! NJAA members, particularly members living in the Townships below, should call or write their elected officials and voice support of Outdoor Lighting Ordinances that will save energy, maintain safety & security, and preserve Hunterdon County's dark skies.

Tewksbury Township: Elected officials have been investigating creation of an outdoor lighting ordinance, thanks in great part to NJAA member Neil Wendt's lighting presentation to the Tewksbury Board earlier this year. A draft Outdoor Lighting Ordinance will soon be distributed to the Board to review. (Mayor- Shaun C. Van Doren; Robert Metcalfe - Chair, Planning Board. Township Building, 169 Old Turnpike Road, Califon, New Jersey 07830)

Union Township: The Union Township Environmental Commission is in the process of creating an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to present to the Planning Board. Last summer, at the request of the Planning Board, NJAA members Neil Wendt and Dave Nelson gave a presentation to the board. (Rob Haynes - Mayor; Tom Ricker - Chair, Planning Board. Township Building, 140 Perryville Road, Hampton, NJ 08827)

Lebanon Township: Lebanon Township is currently updating their master plan, a very important document in light of Hunterdon County's increasing population and development pressures. Light pollution and an ordinance have been discussed at Planning Board meetings and through the recently-created Environmental Commission. (Eileen Swan - Mayor; Joshua Rich - Chair, Planning Board. Township Hall, 530 West Hill Road, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826)