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Neighbors object to proposed LED pricing sign at Heaven’s Gas, cite light pollution and enforcement failures
Summary
Two neighbors urged the Planning Board to require enforceable limits after describing nighttime illumination, earlier landscaping promises that were not kept, and traffic-safety concerns; staff said it would investigate and the applicant offered restrictions and a smaller numeral option.
Adjacent residents told the Bedford Planning Board they oppose converting the Heaven’s Gas pricing cabinet to a direct-emission LED display without clearer limitations on intensity and hours.
Scott Klose, who lives behind the store, described how LED gas signs can be visible from far beyond the immediate block and said that converting to LED “is taking a light pollution issue basically right around the store and extending it out as far as the eye can see.” He asked that the Board require a photometric plan showing lumen output and enforceable hours to prevent nighttime spill into yards.
Kathy Klose said previous mitigation promises—trees and screenings—have not been maintained, and urged the Board to consider enforceability before approving any change. Planning Director Becky Hebert said staff will investigate the landscaping complaint and noted the Department has a process for responding to violations. Owner Hammad Zaka said the sign is typically turned off when the business is closed, and offered to reduce numeral height to 12 inches as a compromise.
The Board asked the applicant to return with a photometric plan, a white 12-inch numeral mock-up and explicit details on night-time operation before making a final decision; the item was continued to July 13 to allow submission of that information.
