Sample IDA letter to neighbor (See copy of IDA “Neighbor letter” on Page 6)
Putting your thoughts in writing is good way to avoid a miscommunication. IDA has prepared a sample letter of issues you may want to convey to a neighbor if a lighting nuisance ever arises.
Dear (insert name),
Allow me to introduce myself, I am your neighbor (insert name)and I would love to talk to you about good outdoor lighting. I have noticed that you have installed outdoor lights on your property, and I applaud your desire to help improve our neighborhood.
At this time your lights are a bit too bright and they are shining in (pick areas as they apply: our bedroom window, the backyard, into our house etc.), and interfering with our (sleep, hobbies, view of the sky, etc). I’m sure you weren’t aware of this and I wanted to bring it to your attention as soon as possible to avoid any misunderstanding. Let me be clear, I am not asking you to remove the lights, but perhaps they can be re-directed onto the ground where they will do the most good.
In addition, we could work together to shield the lights so that they are even more effective. Shielding a lamp usually requires a lesser wattage bulb, which is a big money saver within just a year’s time. Shielding reduces glare which can be blinding and produces fewer harsh shadows where the “bad guys” can hide. Dark sky friendly lighting provides real security, not just an illusion.
There are other ways to save money and still be safe. When lights have motion sensors, they provide an alert if someone is in your yard after dark and they save you money by keeping the lights off when they aren’t needed. Timers are another money saver because they can turn off your lights when you will not be using the yard; for instance, when you retire for the night.
Thank you so much for your time and understanding. I would love to talk with you about the advantages to using dark sky friendly lighting and how it benefits your safety, your budget, and the night sky.
Sincerely,
Your Neighbor
Putting your thoughts in writing is good way to avoid a miscommunication. IDA has prepared a sample letter of issues you may want to convey to a neighbor if a lighting nuisance ever arises.
Dear (insert name),
Allow me to introduce myself, I am your neighbor (insert name)and I would love to talk to you about good outdoor lighting. I have noticed that you have installed outdoor lights on your property, and I applaud your desire to help improve our neighborhood.
At this time your lights are a bit too bright and they are shining in (pick areas as they apply: our bedroom window, the backyard, into our house etc.), and interfering with our (sleep, hobbies, view of the sky, etc). I’m sure you weren’t aware of this and I wanted to bring it to your attention as soon as possible to avoid any misunderstanding. Let me be clear, I am not asking you to remove the lights, but perhaps they can be re-directed onto the ground where they will do the most good.
In addition, we could work together to shield the lights so that they are even more effective. Shielding a lamp usually requires a lesser wattage bulb, which is a big money saver within just a year’s time. Shielding reduces glare which can be blinding and produces fewer harsh shadows where the “bad guys” can hide. Dark sky friendly lighting provides real security, not just an illusion.
There are other ways to save money and still be safe. When lights have motion sensors, they provide an alert if someone is in your yard after dark and they save you money by keeping the lights off when they aren’t needed. Timers are another money saver because they can turn off your lights when you will not be using the yard; for instance, when you retire for the night.
Thank you so much for your time and understanding. I would love to talk with you about the advantages to using dark sky friendly lighting and how it benefits your safety, your budget, and the night sky.
Sincerely,
Your Neighbor
Please contact us at:
e-mail: info@mbdarkskiesalliance.org / Phone: 760 366-9289