GREENWICH — The most recent focus on deciding which signs will be permitted in town — and how they look — is now aimed at “landscape lighting” at night.
Town officials wrote the previous sign ordinance in 1993, and those regulations are now considered out of date and behind the times. The public is invited to discuss new sign regulations, with the next workshop set for Thursday.
During earlier discussions of the new set of rules being written by town planning officials and an outside consultant, the issue that has driven the most comments so far from local business-owners and residents is the proposed prohibition on landscape lighting. So far, the rewrite would “grandfather” in existing lighting displays after the passage of the new ordinances.
Numerous home-owners and businesses light up stately trees, attractive rock formations, water features or other landscaping elements on their properties at night, according to comments from residents and officials. Whether that practice should be curtailed or modified in future has prompted a number comments submitted in writing to Town Hall.
A number of local environmentalists have urged town officials to push for “dark skies” in the upcoming regulations, as nighttime illumination can cause problems for birds and insects. Other residents said they like the aesthetic appeal of illuminated trees or rock walls at night.
Proponents and opponents have been weighing in.
“One of the most problematic sections is the proposed prohibition of landscape lighting on residential and commercial properties. Most properties in town include some outdoor lighting, and so do most proposed landscape designs. It is my opinion that landscape lighting very much enhances the character of our town, as outlined is the stated goal of these revisions. And this lighting can be implemented without sacrificing night sky issues,” said Greenwich architect Richard Granoff. “The proposed regulation changes beg for further discussion.”
Added a local property-owner, Alyssa Keleshian, “One of the most problematic issues is the proposed prohibition of landscape lighting on commercial properties.”
Planning & Zoning Commission Chairwoman Margarita Alban sent a memo to those who have submitted comments, telling them, “We do not intend to make people tear out their installations. As you may recall, legally nonconforming uses are protected by the law.”
Continuing, she said, “There is significant impetus behind the dark skies initiative and energy conservation from state and local groups.”
The dark-sky initiative is also gaining support from environmentalists.
“I am concerned about migratory bird and insect impact so I am a total fan of these efforts (to diminish nighttime lighting), despite the fact that I love the look of landscape lighting,” commented Elizabeth Dempsey. a member of the Greenwich Sustainability Committee, which advises town leaders on environmental issues.
The town planning department says the meeting Sept. 7, which will be teleconferenced, will “provide an opportunity for business and commercial property owners to hear about the proposed language and to also ask specific questions.” The meeting starts at 4 p.m.
The Planning & Zoning Commission held its first public hearing on the proposed sign ordinance in early August.
The stated goals of the new sign ordinance is to foster “a higher-quality built environment through aesthetics, including signage, that support and promote the historic character of Greenwich,” according to a summary of the guiding principles of the new rules.
“These guidelines are not intended to limit creativity or design diversity; instead, they attempt to create a higher standard of design for signage in Greenwich,” according to the working group crafting the regulations.
