Developer proposes LED rooftop lighting at 360 Binney Street; board seeks controls

Representatives for the property at 360 Binney Street presented a design update proposing a one‑for‑one replacement of previously removed neon parapet lighting with energy‑efficient LED fixtures.

Rebecca Caulfield, vice president of preconstruction services at PIVC Construction and construction manager for Amgen, said the building originally had about 700 linear feet of neon along the roof parapet that were removed during a 2020 reroofing. "We're looking to match the prior install — 700 linear feet — but with LED fixtures and visors to minimize sky glow," she said. The new fixtures would be tied to a LumenPulse control system enabling remote dimming; the team proposed programming to dim or turn off lights between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Board members questioned whether the original neon elements remained (they had been removed) and asked about lead times; the team said fixtures carry an estimated 6–8‑week lead time and installation about four weeks.

Planning board members expressed general support — noting the benefits of energy efficiency and the ability to reduce light levels for neighbors — and the board voted to conclude the design review for the case. Staff and the urban design team emphasized they will work with the proponent on final finish, aiming to meet the city's lighting ordinance and minimize glare and trespass.