Dear Editor:
In response to the onslaught of development in Moab and Grand County, I seek the support of our community in asking that all citizens who love our dark skies reach out to the planning commissions of Moab and Grand County and ask that building codes be established to maintain our dark sky views.
Upon looking over the plans for these new developments, we did not see any requirements for low impact lighting on our current dark sky neighborhoods.
We can always see the Milky Way on clear evenings, and we cherish our dark skies and stars. Only 10% of Americans get to see the Milky Way.
The importance of dark skies is being exemplified by the designation of Arches National Park as an International Dark Sky Park.
We can maintain our dark sky views in housing developments with forethought and consideration to the planning now. Establishing that dark skies are worth preserving is a very necessary endeavor and would show good faith and respect on behalf of our council members and planners towards the community and to what has made living in Moab exceptional.
It is the responsibility of our officials, Grand County Council, Zacharia Levine, and the planning commission to support and protect the already existing community, and to make a fulfilled and executed effort to maintain privacy for this area from light and noise pollution.
We need to establish a standard of development and living in Moab that will continue to embrace and create healthy living space for all of us. By using new modern LED lighting technology, which is a more efficient use of energy, the lights can be adjusted to provide only the level of illumination needed, and many other low light benefits.
We are asking for community support, to insist that the Moab and Grand County council and planning commissions require new developments all around Moab, in Grand County, Viewgate Terrace and the Arroyo Crossing housing development to support dark skies in its building plans. Please help us continue to see the stars.
Charlene Love Nicholson and Peter Nicholson
Moab
