Arlington County has just started exploring the possibility of working on a lighting ordinance. We have had some contact with one of the county environmental planners. In addition, Arlington sent 2 folks from the engineering department to an IDA lighting workshop. The County Board has not made any commitment to a lighting ordinance. Your active participation could make a big difference. The county sent the engineers to the lighting workshop because they have gotten a few citizen complaints. VOLT is looking for a volunteer to get Arlington County working on an outdoor lighting ordinance.
Who You Should Contact:
Arlington County has a County Board. The Board consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, and 3 additional Board Members. Paul Ferguson is the current County Board Chair. Correspondence should be addressed either Chairman Ferguson or to the Board as a whole. It might be of some value to contact the County Manager, Ron Carlee, as well.
Chairman Paul Ferguson
Arlington County Board
2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 228-3130 Fax: (703) 228-7430
E-mail: countyboard@co.arlington.va.us
County Manager's Office
2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 228-3120
E-mail: countymanager@co.arlington.va.us
Message Template: (Copy and paste into your document - edit and make personal comments as needed!)
Dear Chairman Ferguson:
I am writing to you today concerning the current state of outdoor lighting in Arlington County.
I have noticed an increase in bright, glary lighting in the county. In my opinion, this kind lighting is bad for the citizens of Arlington County.
I have become familiar with some of the issues surrounding outdoor lighting. The include glare, light trespass, urban sky glow, and energy waste.
If Arlington County were to adopt outdoor lighting standards that included fully shielded lighting fixtures these negative issues would be greatly reduced.
I ask that you and the County Board direct the county staff to construct a comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance. It is my understanding that both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties are currently working on ordinances. In addition, the District of Columbia has undertaken an ambitious program to replace over 40,000 standard cobra head street lights with fully shielded, low glare fixtures! What a great benefit to everyone that works or lives in the District!
You can find more information about effective outdoor lighting practices on the Virginia Outdoor Lighting Taskforce web site at www.volt.org
Thank you for your time and your service to Arlington County. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Name, Address, Phone Number