Lakeville open space committee raises concerns about light pollution, questions enforceability of outdoor lighting bylaw

Members of the Town of Lakeville Open Space Committee discussed night-sky protection and local outdoor lighting rules at their May meeting, urging the committee to include the issue in the upcoming master plan work.

Committee members said they had received an email from the Sierra Club urging towns to protect night skies and noted the committee's existing open-space plan includes a detailed section on outdoor lighting. Members reported they were told by a town building official that the town's Outdoor Lighting Bylaw is effectively unenforceable as written, and they said they want to understand why and what changes would make enforcement possible.

Committee members suggested several next steps: invite the building commissioner (referred to in the meeting as “Nate”) to discuss enforceability and possible changes; consider sending a letter or formal comments to the planning board or the master‑plan contractor when development proposals are reviewed; and focus first on future development rather than retrofitting existing private homes. Members also discussed low-effort outreach options such as public education and periodic night‑sky walks.

Speakers mentioned specific local concerns, including landscape and commercial lighting that reflects into neighboring properties and high‑school lighting that can obscure the southern sky from some houses. Members noted the open-space plan contains language about the “spirit” of an outdoor lighting bylaw and urged the committee not to drop the topic while the master plan is updated.

The committee did not take formal action on the lighting item but agreed to pursue information and possible coordination with town staff and other boards as the master plan process moves forward.