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Amgen proposes LED rooftop lighting at 360 Binney with remote dimming to limit late‑night glare
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Summary
Amgen’s proponent team told the Cambridge Planning Board the owner plans a 1‑for‑1 reinstallation of about 700 linear feet of parapet lighting at 360 Binney Street using LED fixtures with visors and remote controls scheduled to dim or turn off from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.; the board and urban-design staff welcomed the energy savings and control features.
Rebecca Caulfield, vice president of preconstruction services at PIVC Construction, told the Cambridge Planning Board on Jan. 6 that Amgen, owner of 360 Binney Street (1 Kendall Square), proposes to reinstall rooftop parapet lighting removed during 2020 roofing work.
Caulfield said the project is a ‘‘one for one’’ replacement of about 700 linear feet of previously installed lights, switching neon tubes to LED fixtures equipped with visors to limit upward light and a LumenFul control system that allows remote adjustment. She added the fixtures would be ‘‘scheduled to be significantly dimmed or turned off in the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.’’ to meet the city lighting ordinance and reduce skyglow.
Jeff Roberts, director of zoning and development in the Community Development Department, said urban-design staff asked the case to be brought back because roof‑level lighting is a ‘‘significant aspect of the city's roofscape’’ and visibility can change public perception once lights are activated. Eric Thorkelson of the urban-design team noted the lights have been off for several years and the board should review the visual impact.
Board members asked technical questions about the removed neon tubes, dimming rationale and schedule, and procurement timing. A project representative said the original neon tubes were removed during roofing work and that the remote dimming capability responds to past nuisance complaints and energy considerations. Caulfield said the fixtures have an estimated 6–8 week lead time after approvals and an install period of roughly four weeks.
Planning board members expressed general support for returning lighting to the building with the new control features. Tom Sinevich, Ted Cohen and other members said the lights add nighttime interest to Kendall Square so long as glare and neighbor impacts are managed; urban-design staff will continue to work with the proponent on compliance with ordinance standards.
The board voted by roll call to conclude the design update after a motion by Carolyn Zurn and a second by Ted Cohen; all members present voted yes. The proponent said it will proceed to finalize fixture selection and scheduling with CDD staff.
