Skagway assembly forwards outdoor lighting policy after residents urge ‘dark sky’ protections

Skagway Municipality assembly members voted to forward a Responsible Outdoor Lighting Policy (Resolution 25-24R) to the full assembly for approval, after residents urged limits on light trespass and city staff flagged safety concerns.

The measure, presented by Jonathan, asks municipal departments to limit unneeded lighting through shielding, color adjustments and turning off lights when not necessary. Jonathan said the resolution incorporates input from the borough manager and is intended to reduce “light trespass” without compromising safety.

Two residents urged action during public comment. Denise Capozzi said amber, shielded streetlights and reduced lighting at the transfer station, docks and other municipal facilities would restore night skies and save electricity. “A couple amber lights on that building would suffice,” she said, adding that lights at the transfer station currently “trespass all over my living room and my dining room.” Nan Saldi supported the initiative and said the valley’s light dome harms wildlife and residents’ enjoyment of the northern lights.

Sergeant Michaels, speaking for public safety, urged caution. He said lights deter vandalism and help officers and residents see cyclists and people at night, but he endorsed solutions such as motion-sensor fixtures for bathrooms and some municipal buildings. “Motion lights would be a very good option,” he said, while also noting that some shielding or color changes could be compatible with safety needs.

Assembly discussion focused on flexible implementation: the resolution gives the borough manager or a designee authority to interpret and exempt fixtures where safety requires higher illumination. Members discussed attachments that angle existing streetlights downward, seasonal considerations and minimal-cost retrofits.

On a roll-call vote the assembly approved forwarding Resolution 25-24R to the full assembly for final consideration (voice recorded as yes by Assemblymember Weddle, Assemblymember Hillis and Assemblymember Henry). The policy will return to the assembly with manager review and any recommended edits.

The action follows public input and staff comments; next steps include manager-level review, potential technical specifications for shields or sensors, and a future assembly consideration of final language and implementation costs.