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Board approves two 70-foot light poles for Ridgeview fields to reduce spill and ease scheduling
Summary
The Davenport Zoning Board approved a special use for two 70-foot luminary poles at Ridgeview baseball fields, saying the taller LED fixtures (funded by the North Little League and to be built by Musco) will better control light spill and reduce neighborhood congestion by allowing expanded evening scheduling.
The Davenport Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a Parks Department request to install two 70‑foot sports-field luminary poles at the Ridgeview baseball complex.
Scott Coates of Development and Neighborhood Services told the board that code allows up to 65 feet by right but requires a special use for taller poles. The Parks Department requested two poles at 70 feet (five feet higher than the 65‑foot threshold) to take advantage of modern LED 'total control' fixtures that aim light more precisely and reduce spill into adjacent neighborhoods. Coates said staff sent notices to 59 property owners and received a written comment questioning whether the lights would be used; he read that comment into the record.
Chad Dyson, Parks and Recreation director, said the North Little League has been fundraising to pay for the project and is working with Musco, a sports-field lighting company. Dyson said the 70‑foot configuration can reduce the number of poles needed and better direct light downward, minimizing spill. Board members probed the 5‑foot height difference and learned the parks' preferred system is available in 60‑ or 70‑foot configurations; achieving equivalent spill control with shorter poles would require additional poles and higher cost to the Little League.
With no public speakers in opposition at the hearing, a motion to approve SU 20‑48 passed on roll call. The board's approval includes the staff findings that the project is consistent with public health, safety and welfare and the spirit of the ordinance.
