As a Board member of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, I am submitting this letter as Part 4 in a seven-part community education series, which is required by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) for Fountain Hills to achieve the prestigious Dark Sky Community designation.

Our website answers many questions commonly asked, but the following might be helpful.

Existing outdoor lighting is grandfathered in. The FH Dark Sky Association urges that new or replacement lighting meet the updated shielding and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) guidelines.

The FH Dark Sky Association does not advocate inadequate outdoor lighting. Rather, smart lighting is advocated; i.e., properly shielded lighting in the amber color range (CCT of 3000K or below) and lighting with adaptive controls (motion detector or timer) so that lighting is not on at times not needed.

Leaving outdoor lights on all night does not decrease the chance of crime. Studies, like the Chicago Alley Lighting Project, show the opposite. Most property crime occurs during the day and some crimes, like vandalism and graffiti, actually thrive on night lighting.

Lighting controlled by timers or used for events, such as the lighting of the Fountain, ball fields, holiday lighting, etc. is not affected by the Town ordinance nor is it a concern of the FH Dark Sky Association.

Due to harmful effects to human health, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted in 2016 a report that affirms known and suspected impacts to human health and the environment caused by bright white/blue outdoor lights; hence it recommends outdoor lighting should be 3000K or less.

There are four ways you can help: Use fully shielded light fixtures, use only the amount of outdoor light needed, use warm (not bright white) outdoor lights, and avoid light trespass.

More information is available at our website: fhdarksky.com