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Charlottesville proclaims April 21–28 Dark Sky Week; local advocates urge reduced nighttime lighting
Summary
The city council proclaimed April 21–28, 2025 as International Dark Sky Week and heard from Dark Sky Piedmont members who urged policies to limit light pollution to protect observatories, migrating birds and community health.
Charlottesville — The City Council proclaimed April 21–28, 2025 as International Dark Sky Week at its April 21 meeting, citing ecological, astronomical and health reasons to reduce light pollution. City staff noted Charlottesville’s proximity to observatories and nearby state park dark‑sky designations.
Members of Dark Sky Piedmont accepted the proclamation and urged the city to limit unnecessary uplighting and to plan LED installations that avoid glare and protect circadian rhythms and wildlife. A representative described downtown tree uplighting and streetlights that are on during daytime as examples of excessive lighting residents see.
Council thanked the group and noted the proclamation is intended to raise awareness and encourage residents and city staff to consider changes in outdoor lighting design and timing. No formal ordinance or regulatory change was proposed during the meeting; the proclamation is an awareness and policy‑alignment action.
