Living in the picturesque region of Washington Heights, NYC,, I am constantly reminded of the serenity that the riverfront bestows. Yet, this tranquility is shattered every night by the glaring white light emanating from the ONE BRIDGE plaza sign. This excessively bright signage illuminates not only Fort Lee but casts an intrusive glow across the waters to Upper Manhattan, disturbing both humans and wildlife alike.

Having to close the curtains to shield my apartment from the intrusive white light has become a nightly routine. The disruption to sleep patterns is one thing, but it's the effect this has on our environment that is most troubling. The bright, white light is not only overwhelming for the human residents of Upper Manhattan, but it's almost certainly affecting the lives of nocturnal wildlife who depend on darkness to thrive.

Research consistently shows that artificial lighting at night can drastically alter the behaviors of wildlife. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, artificial light disrupts nocturnal ecosystems, interfering with animal navigation, reproduction, and predation. Fortifying the nightly ecosystem should be a priority, and we all know that cities like ours can shine without glaring.

One actionable solution would be to adjust the brightness to a less invasive level or, better yet, change the color of the light to a soft blue hue that blends seamlessly with the surrounding installations. Many facility managers on the opposite side of the river have adopted this approach, showing both environmental responsibility and aesthetic sensibility.

Imagine a skyline where lights from signage complement the night, not overexpose it. Urging the owners of ONE BRIDGE plaza to reduce the visual impact of their sign is not just an appeal for human comfort, but a call to protect our shared environment. By reducing the brightness or modifying the color to a soft blue, we can maintain the breathtaking ambiance of the riverfront while respecting both human and wildlife inhabitants.

Join us in calling for a change that serves everyone who cherishes the beauty of Fort Lee and Upper Manhattan at night. Sign this petition to help preserve our night skies and ensure a harmonious living environment for all.