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Sharon Conservation Commission weighs dark‑sky initiative, will coordinate with SEEC
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the commission discussed a two‑pronged dark‑sky approach—model lighting standards for new construction and town 'lead by example' fixture changes—and agreed to coordinate with SEEC; member Carl Chaiet reported a shielded fixture test that required custom fabrication.
At its May 20, 2026 meeting the Sharon Conservation Commission discussed a potential dark‑sky initiative that would pair a Falls‑Village–style blueprint of lighting standards for new construction with a ‘lead by example’ program to retrofit the town’s own fixtures. The commission agreed to pursue a moderate, non‑heavy‑handed approach and to coordinate with the Simsbury/area SEEC; Chair Bethany Sheffer said she will reach out to Shrevie Shepherd to attend the next SEEC meeting.
Member Carl Chaiet reported that he purchased and tested a shielded lighting product and found that “it worked, but only after CC’s custom fabrication,” signaling that off‑the‑shelf fixtures may need local modification to meet the commission’s goals. Commissioners discussed combining model language for new construction with demonstration projects on town property so residents could see the effects of properly shielded, lower‑impact fixtures.
Commissioners framed the initiative as advisory technical guidance rather than new enforcement: the group emphasized voluntary, model standards for renovations and new builds alongside town‑led retrofits intended to encourage adoption. No formal motion to adopt standards was taken; Bethany Sheffer was assigned to contact SEEC for coordination and next steps, and the commission plans to return the item to a future agenda for further drafting and possible model language.
