As expected, Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) has been asked to review last month’s approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission of regulations that would clear the way for lights at Staples High School athletic events.
The 36-member RTM, which can only overturn the amendment approval by a two-thirds vote but not modify it, will meet in a special session on Wednesday, Sept. 9 to take up the matter.
Town Clerk Patricia H. Strauss said she had received a petition from at least 20 Westport electors asking the RTM to review the text amendment that would allow lights to be erected on athletic fields on town-owned property subject to numerous conditions.
The RTM Planning and Zoning Committee has scheduled hearings on the request on Wednesday and, if needed, Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall Room 309. It will meet again on Thursday, Sept. 3 to make a recommendation to the full body.
The P&Z approved the controversial text amendment by a 6-1 vote on July 30. (See WestportNow July 30, 2009)
Glad the issue is being given another review. I am not a NIMBY but on behalf of those who do live near those athletic fields, I oppose the night lights as an unnecessary degredation of their environment and an obstacle to the peaceful enjoyment of their property.
Well said, Ms. Streitfeld.
It was my understanding that “no lights” was a stipulation the town agreed to when putting the high school in a residential area in the first place. Hardly seems fair to change the rules midstream without the express consent of the neighbors.