As a resident and full time farmer of Byron Center, I have witnessed firsthand the rapid commercial development in our community in our rural communities. While growth is important, it's also crucial that we balance development with the wellbeing of our neighbors and the surrounding environment.

Excessive outdoor lighting from commercial buildings not only disrupts our nights but also causes significant light pollution. This bright glow doesn't just inconvenience humans—it affects local wildlife and pollinators and disrupts their natural behaviors and habitats. 

Adopting dark sky principles can make a substantial difference. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and Michigan chapter provides evidence that reducing outdoor lighting while maintaining safety and security can lead to decreased energy use, improved vision at night, and clearer skies. 

According to the IDA, light pollution costs the United States an estimated $3.3 billion annually in wasted energy and affects nearly 99% of the U.S. population by impairing their view of the night sky.

By implementing a minimum 50% reduction in nighttime lighting on commercial properties, Byron Center would take a significant step toward mitigating these issues. This move can serve as a model for responsible development for surrounding townships that respects both agriculture, community needs, rural landscapes, and environmental health. 

Incorporating dark sky-friendly policies ensures that our area remains a beautiful place to live and also contributes to a global movement toward reducing light pollution.

I urge the Byron Center Township Board to amend the current lighting ordinance to include these reductions, implementing a policy directed to commercial and industrial properties, requiring light levels being reduced to a minimum of 50% after the close of businesses, optimal being full shut off of outdoor lighting after business hours. 

According to Dark Sky International, the following are Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting that are proven to be effective against light pollution. 

Responsible outdoor lighting is:
1. Useful
Use light only if it is needed
All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.

2. Targeted
Direct light so it falls only where it is needed
Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed.

3. Low level
Light should be no brighter than necessary
Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.

4. Controlled
Use light only when it is needed
Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.

5. Warm-colored
Use warmer-color lights where possible
Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.

With neighboring Gaines township implementing a 50% reduction of night time commercial and industrial restriction within their lighting ordinance, it should be a given that Byron Center follow suite. Through this petition, I call upon my fellow community members to support this initiative and encourage positive change that benefits us all.

Please sign this petition to help make Byron Center a leader in sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Let's protect our nights and preserve the beauty of the night sky and our rural landscapes and habitats for generations to come.