Dear Editor:
The “Lake” Hiawatha section of Parsippany, it’s most heavily populated area, needs stricter rules on light trespass or pollution. Parsippany Zoning no longer requires notification to property owners on new construction, the reason being that property owners have rights which have already been determined in what is allowed, for example; once small homes being replaced by larger homes, despite the close quarters of the remaining smaller homes.
So a smaller home maybe shadowed and dominated by a larger structure. The scale and balance of the once neighborhood character erased. Many of the property owners do not reside at the location, but their right to change the neighborhood character has preference.
Does not apply in Hiawatha
In New Jersey, if your new construction requires a zoning board variance or subdivision, the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) requires you to formally notify all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property by certified mail
By dismissing the above 200 feet requirement, other problems occur that could of been brought to attention, and remedy before the new construction. Light Trespass is a good example. Making sure outside lighting in properly installed, not to violate others homes or light trespass.
An overly bright light does not provide security or safety in their existence.
Exposed, overly bright security lights often cause blinding glare and deep, contrasting shadows, which actually decreases visibility and gives intruders places to hide. Properly installed outdoor lighting relies on shielded fixtures, softer illumination (3000K or less), and strategic placement to eliminate these dark spots and improve safety.
One can still see the stars, and constellations here in Parsippany, and a citizen should have a right to a sky view if one desires as a benefit of suburban life without that rightful enhancement of living in a place violated.
Citizens, have a right to an unpolluted, naturally dark night sky and a nocturnal environment free of excessive artificial light, as does the animals, including lightening bugs, which decades ago were the big attraction for living here.
Parsippany needs to adopt and enforce a Dark Sky Ordinance to ensure that neighbors respect this right of Dark Sky, and nature here in Parsippany. What little nature remains much is still the sky above our heaven while here on Earth. What good is safety and security with health and wellbeing, and spiritual awareness of the universe we are simply a small part of.
Nick Homyak
