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Residents press Warrington supervisors to revisit dark-skies declaration after lights draw mixed reaction
Summary
Multiple residents urged the board to reconsider a 2021 dark-skies declaration that restricts lighting on certain parcels. Speakers said the declaration effectively tied future boards' hands and raised concerns about permanence, costs of legal challenges and the lack of documented rationale in the original record.
Several residents used the Oct. 14 Warrington supervisors meeting to press for reconsideration of a dark-skies declaration that affects field lighting on township parcels.
Lisa Dietz (S16) told the board she reviewed the March 21, 2021 meeting video and found Supervisor Ruth Shem had previously championed restrictive lighting measures; Dietz said she was surprised that those restrictions now appear to require legal steps and costs to revisit. "I found that very concerning and very upsetting," she said, arguing a permanent declaration shifts future discretion out of the board's hands and may impose legal costs on residents.
Michelle de Blasio (S14) echoed concerns about permanence and said she saw no documented rationale in the 2021 materials supporting a permanent restriction. Jim Fagan (S15), fields coordinator for Warrington Soccer Club, thanked the board for Warrington Day but asked whether the solicitor would provide a recommendation; Solicitor Garten (S8) said he would not make a policy recommendation but provided deeds, restrictions and legal language for the board to consider.
Solicitor Garten reported that three tax parcels are subject to the dark-skies declaration and recounted a 1987 zoning hearing-board decision with conditions tied to prior soccer-club submissions. He said his full report has been shared with the board and further discussion would be scheduled.
The board responded that staff would digest the materials and follow up. The chair and staff told residents the matter involves legal constraints and historical documents that need review before policy action.
What's next: The solicitor's materials will be reviewed by staff and the board; no policy change or legal action was taken at the Oct. 14 meeting.
