Residents ask Timnath to fix uplight on streetlights and improve Parkway crossings

Residents at the June 23 meeting urged the Town of Timnath to reduce uplight and glare from municipal streetlights and to take steps to improve pedestrian safety along Timnath Parkway.

John Garvey told the council that many municipal fixtures have uplight and glare ratings that send light into homes and the night sky; he urged the town to explore alternative luminaires and remove optional "sag" lenses—glass lenses that drop below shields and refract light—saying removing those lenses can reduce uplight to near zero as an interim measure. "The very least we can responsibly do as we update our street lighting ordinance is to eliminate uplights," Garvey said.

Allison Keithley, who was later identified as a Main Street board member, said a streetlight shines into her son's bedroom and asked the council to consider Garvey's recommendations for new fixtures planned on the Parkway. She also urged action to improve crossings at Second and Fourth streets where she has seen drivers fail to stop for pedestrians and children.

In response, Public Works Director Stone said the town currently owns about one-third of area street lights and is in the process of attempting to acquire the remaining two-thirds from other utility providers. He said staff are updating lighting standards to include dark-sky provisions while balancing safety needs for different roadways and that lighting design is part of the Timnath Parkway improvements.

The council heard the comments; no formal action was taken at the meeting, though staff noted the issue is being addressed as part of standards updates and upcoming lighting choices for projects.