To the editor:
Being half time residents of Yachats, we fully endorse the proposed new city ordinance governing commercial and residential lighting in the city if it will limit excessive lighting, and preserve the dark, quaint, small town ambiance that is/was Yachats.
We own a home in beautiful Yachats on Saki Lane. While we only spend half the month here, the quiet, peacefulness, and dark are values that we cherish. At night, with our windows open, we can hear the sea, and often see shooting starts. We leave no outside lighting on to limit light pollution and be considerate of our neighbors and community.
We are shielded by some hardwood trees, but half the year fall and winter, homes to the west and north have bright outdoor lighting that are not reduced by tree foliage. One of these homes can be seen from a quarter of a mile away and is really disappointing at midnight. We would prefer some city governance that can give the community a sense of security, but not have excessive lighting that mars other’s experiences.
In reality, we are aware of how much growth has taken place in our city over the last 10 years. Being new to the community, we have contributed to the negative effects of growth. It is so important for your leadership now to confront the costs of growth and try to manage an outcome that preserves the qualities we love about our home. There must be some middle ground to help reduce light pollution. We will gladly comply with any rules that help to combat that ill. A marketing campaign or winter festival that celebrates the the great star watching in Yachats could be a boon to our local economy. When the lights went out last year, it was an amazing view!
Peter Saraceno & Rebecca Gourney, Yachats
