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Shorewood trustees debate dark-sky LED streetlight design after resident glare complaints
Summary
Trustees discussed three options for new LED streetlights — dimming settings, house-side shielding, or reverting to lens-covered fixtures — after residents reported glare; staff recommended a case-by-case dimming approach with targeted shields and to review Phase 1 outcomes before expanding.
Village trustees and staff reviewed complaints about new dark-sky LED streetlight fixtures installed in a Phase 1 demonstration, and discussed three options: (a) set side streets to a low dimming level and intersections to higher levels; (b) install house-side shields that block light from facing residences; or (c) abandon dark-sky fixtures and revert to lens-covered LED heads used previously.
Rebecca (staff) reported that the new fixtures have nine factory settings and were set to match historically higher lumen levels because residents earlier had complained that older lights were too dim. But several residents said the new fixtures produce sharp glare and intrude into living rooms. “I've had a new streetlight in my front yard and the glare significantly intrudes into my living room,” resident Steven McCarthy told the committee and provided photos for staff review.
Public Works Director Leanne Butchlick explained the engineering constraints: MUTCD (the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) restricts some signs and crosswalk markings; shields that cover the LED element (house-side shields) are available and staff can retrofit installed fixtures at modest per-unit cost (about $25 per shield for Phase 1 retrofits, higher with contractor installation). Returning to lens-covered fixtures would require replacing light heads and carries higher costs (staff estimated roughly $800 per fixture to replace newly installed dark-sky heads).
Staff recommended Option A — case-by-case dimming plus targeted shields on a retrofit basis and setting future installations to lower initial levels — as the best compromise. Trustees asked staff to complete Phase 1, let residents live with the new fixtures for a month or two, and report back before proceeding with Phase 2. Trustees also asked staff to research whether alternative shielding products exist and to assess supply and installation logistics; staff said shields are obtainable but may require lead time.
Why it matters: The village is replacing aging streetlights with LED fixtures designed to reduce light pollution, but the change has provoked complaints about glare, prompting technical trade-offs among visibility, public safety, neighbor impacts, and cost.
Meeting context and next steps: No final vote was taken. Staff will continue Phase 1 installations with the approach described, consider targeted shields for immediate problem locations, and return with recommendations and resident photo evidence; Phase 2 procurement is scheduled to go out to bid in October, allowing time for adjustments.
