Lights from new Yachats fire station continue to disturb neighbors

To the editor:

I represent the residents of Ocean Wayside Lane, which runs along the north side of the new main station of the Yachats Rural Fire Protection District. Back in early November, Ocean Wayside residents sent a letter to the fire chief signed by all of us about excessive light in our neighborhood coming from the new fire station.

The driveway lights were shut down in the evening for a time, but nothing was done about the very bright LED flagpole lights.

I personally have been affected as one of them often shines in my home, especially in windy and rainy conditions.

On Jan. 6 I sent an email to the fire chief reminding her that we are still having trespass lighting in our neighborhood. The second floor windows, flagpoles, some exterior lights, and the driveway lights are all sources.

At a Nov. 12 Yachats Planning Commission meeting, I was given a very informative handout about a proposed city lighting ordinance. A retired electrician there told me that even dark sky compliant lighting does not work if the lights are mounted too high, and that the light reflects all over the place. This appears to be the case with the new station’s light fixtures. A good lighting consultant may be able to help correct this.

I am also in contact with Mary Coolidge at the Portland Audubon Society who works with many municipalities on this issue. She may be willing to come to our community to help.

The tall flagpoles are not appropriate in a forest area, as they are designed to be used in an urban area. I would like to know what was paid for these fixtures?  It appears they are being left on for two reasons: one to justify the expense and two because this way the flag does not have to be taken down at sunset. Regardless of the expense, these very bright  LED fixtures do not belong in a forest area. It is nothing more than pure arrogance to continue to use them all night long in a community such as Yachats, which prides itself on being environmentally aware. Not taking the flag down at sunset is just pure laziness. Even the Boy Scouts teach proper flag etiquette.

These issues that are affecting our neighborhood would not be in our faces had the logging of the fire district property not been mismanaged. It is my understanding that a buffer of trees was supposed to be left on the north side of your property along our neighborhood. We might not be even having this conversation had that been the case.

As that was not done, you must now be considerate about the impact your trespass lighting is having on Ocean Wayside Lane. As a major member of the Yachats community, it behooves you to be a considerate neighbor and do everything you can to correct the trespass lighting please.

— Yvonne Hall, Yachats