Only two City Council members voted against the change in the Dark Sky ordinance: Ann Lilly and Lily Limon. With Mayor Leeser leading the charge, Council voted to grant Clear Channel Communications the privilege of not having to comply with dark sky. So, folks, you get to stare at brightly lit-up billboards as you drive and a starless sky.
elpasonaturally also learned that Council members dismissed "form letter" emails. So, folks, your opinions don't count with this bunch. But the whims and wishes of a $17.2 Billion company make all the difference with this band of politicians.
The agenda item to amend the dark sky ordinance was labeled under the goal (something else not drafted by or agreed upon by the citizens of El Paso) "Promote the Visual Image of El Paso". So folks, you now know the aesthetical philosophy of this City government: UGLY.
The effort to prevent dark sky from being amended was led by Marci Turner. She wishes to thank all those who supported keeping the dark sky ordinance as it is (was). She is grateful for all the work each person did to save our skies.
Showing posts with label Marci Turner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marci Turner. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Monday, June 1, 2015
Dark Sky Vote Tomorrow
[Item 14.1 on tomorrow's City Council agenda would allow billboards to continue using upward directed lighting as long as they switch to LEDs. LEDs are good indeed; but that's not the point. Item 12.3 allows for relocating some billboards. Again, that's not a solution. There are good reasons for a dark sky ordinance passed 10 years ago giving all homes and businesses 10 years to comply. Light pollution robs us of our greatest common space: space. When I was a boy in El Paso, I could see the Milky Way from our garage roof. No longer. Research has shown that dark skies are important to animal migration and protection. Dark skies are more conducive to a good night's sleep. Dark sky makes a city more attractive to newcomers and new businesses. It's a huge economic plus. Unfortunately, in El Paso a large corporation, Clear Channel wants a special privilege.
What is Clear Channel? According to Wikinvest: "Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU) is a diversified mediacompany with two primary business segments: radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. Clear Channel is the largest radio broadcasting company in the United States, with 17% of the US radio market and over 1,100 AM and FM radio stations. It also owns a 90% share in the world's largest outdoor advertising division, with over 900,000 billboards in more than 60 countries. In addition, Clear Channel owns or programs 51 television stations and owns a media representation firm. Clear Channel has a market capitalization of $17.2 billion."
$17.2 Billion and they can't comply with a City of El Paso Dark Sky ordinance after 10 years! Of course a $17.2 Billion corporation too often gets to do what it pleases because it owns too many politicians. No wonder why more than 90% of El Paso voters don't vote.
Marci Turner has been leading the charge to preserve our dark sky ordinance and to make Clear Channel comply. Here is her call to action:]
This is a CALL TO ACTION!!!
Friends and Neighbors:
The Outdoor Lighting Industry (Clear Channel) is requesting City Council to change El Paso’s Dark Sky Ordinance which was passed in 2005. The request is to exempt them (billboards) from complying with our current ordinance which requires all outdoor lighting to be directed downward, not up. This request defeats the purpose of the ordinance which has, over the past 10 years, provided us with a safer, healthier, and economically enhanced city. Also, the industry is requesting assistance from the City with billboards which are coming down due to City/State road projects. The State currently pays the industry for these billboards. To relocate them is contrary to the original ordinance which focuses on reducing the number of billboards in our city.
Businesses all over El Paso, large and small, have complied with this ordinance during the past 10 years – why should one big, wealthy company be granted an exemption!?!
In order to show our community is aware of these proposed changes and opposes them, it is imperative that you send an email to Council, City Manager, and City Planning.
This is easily done with one email. Simply type all the addresses in the “to” box, they will be automatically separated by a semicolon. The same email will go to all recipients.
The email addresses are as follows: (no need to include names!)
District 1 Ann Morgan Lilly lillyam@elpasotexas.gov
District 2 Larry Romero romerol@elpasotexas.gov
District 3 Emma Acosta acostaea@elpasotexas.gov
District 4 Carl Robinson robinsoncl@elpasotexas.gov
District 5 Michiel Noe noem@elpasotexas.gov
District 6 Claudia Ordaz ordazc@elpasotexas.gov
District 7 Lily Limon limonl@elpasotexas.gov
District 8 Cortney Niland nilandcc@elpasotexas.gov
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez TGonzalez@elpasotexas.gov
Matthew McElroy, City Planning mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov
Sample letter – use this or create your own!
Dear City Representatives, City Manager, and City Planner,
There are two items of concern to me on the agenda for the council meeting of Tuesday, June 2. These are:
Item 12.3 (to amend Sign Regulations found in Title 20, Chapter 20.18 of the Municipal Code), and
Item 14.1 (to amend the Outdoor Lighting Code (Title 18, Chapter 18.18).
I am opposed to both of these proposed amendments and exceptions to our city’s code because I do not believe either of them to be in the best interest of El Paso. I urge you to vote AGAINST both of them.
Sincerely,
Your Name
What is Clear Channel? According to Wikinvest: "Clear Channel Communications Inc. (NYSE: CCU) is a diversified mediacompany with two primary business segments: radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising. Clear Channel is the largest radio broadcasting company in the United States, with 17% of the US radio market and over 1,100 AM and FM radio stations. It also owns a 90% share in the world's largest outdoor advertising division, with over 900,000 billboards in more than 60 countries. In addition, Clear Channel owns or programs 51 television stations and owns a media representation firm. Clear Channel has a market capitalization of $17.2 billion."
$17.2 Billion and they can't comply with a City of El Paso Dark Sky ordinance after 10 years! Of course a $17.2 Billion corporation too often gets to do what it pleases because it owns too many politicians. No wonder why more than 90% of El Paso voters don't vote.
Marci Turner has been leading the charge to preserve our dark sky ordinance and to make Clear Channel comply. Here is her call to action:]
This is a CALL TO ACTION!!!
Friends and Neighbors:
The Outdoor Lighting Industry (Clear Channel) is requesting City Council to change El Paso’s Dark Sky Ordinance which was passed in 2005. The request is to exempt them (billboards) from complying with our current ordinance which requires all outdoor lighting to be directed downward, not up. This request defeats the purpose of the ordinance which has, over the past 10 years, provided us with a safer, healthier, and economically enhanced city. Also, the industry is requesting assistance from the City with billboards which are coming down due to City/State road projects. The State currently pays the industry for these billboards. To relocate them is contrary to the original ordinance which focuses on reducing the number of billboards in our city.
Businesses all over El Paso, large and small, have complied with this ordinance during the past 10 years – why should one big, wealthy company be granted an exemption!?!
In order to show our community is aware of these proposed changes and opposes them, it is imperative that you send an email to Council, City Manager, and City Planning.
This is easily done with one email. Simply type all the addresses in the “to” box, they will be automatically separated by a semicolon. The same email will go to all recipients.
The email addresses are as follows: (no need to include names!)
District 1 Ann Morgan Lilly lillyam@elpasotexas.gov
District 2 Larry Romero romerol@elpasotexas.gov
District 3 Emma Acosta acostaea@elpasotexas.gov
District 4 Carl Robinson robinsoncl@elpasotexas.gov
District 5 Michiel Noe noem@elpasotexas.gov
District 6 Claudia Ordaz ordazc@elpasotexas.gov
District 7 Lily Limon limonl@elpasotexas.gov
District 8 Cortney Niland nilandcc@elpasotexas.gov
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez TGonzalez@elpasotexas.gov
Matthew McElroy, City Planning mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov
Sample letter – use this or create your own!
Dear City Representatives, City Manager, and City Planner,
There are two items of concern to me on the agenda for the council meeting of Tuesday, June 2. These are:
Item 12.3 (to amend Sign Regulations found in Title 20, Chapter 20.18 of the Municipal Code), and
Item 14.1 (to amend the Outdoor Lighting Code (Title 18, Chapter 18.18).
I am opposed to both of these proposed amendments and exceptions to our city’s code because I do not believe either of them to be in the best interest of El Paso. I urge you to vote AGAINST both of them.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Monday, May 18, 2015
Keep the Dark Sky Ordinance Just the Way It Is
Just a reminder to please contact your City Council representative, the Mayor's office, Matthew McElroy in city planning and City Manager Tommy Gonzalez to tell them that you don't want our dark sky ordinance amended. Everyone in the City of El Paso (including big sign companies, viz., Clear Channel) have had 10 years to comply. There is no excuse for not doing so.
Here is a sample email: Dear Rep. ___/Mayor's Office/City Manager/ Matthew McElroy, Please deny any requests for exemptions or changes to our current Dark Sky Ordinance.
Here are the email addresses:
District 1 Ann Morgan Lilly lillyam@elpasotexas.gov
District 2 Larry Romero romerol@elpasotexas.gov
District 3 Emma Acosta acostaea@elpasotexas.gov
District 4 Carl Robinson robinsoncl@elpasotexas.gov
District 5 Michiel Noe noem@elpasotexas.gov
District 6 Claudia Ordaz ordazc@elpasotexas.gov
District 7 Lily Limon limonl@elpasotexas.gov
District 8 Cortney Niland nilandcc@elpasotexas.gov
The Mayor Oscar Leeser morenotl@elpasotexas.gov
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez TGonzalaz@elpasotexas.gov
Matthew McElroy, City Planning mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov
Additionally, dark sky activist, Marci Turner, sent the following message to all of us:
May 7th, 2015 marks the 10 year anniversary of El Paso’s Dark Sky Ordinance.
Businesses, residents and the City were given 10 years to come into compliance with this ordinance which requires all outdoor lighting to be directed downward, not up toward the sky. This ordinance not only protects our night skies, but also contributes to the health and safety of our community.
This would be a good time for residents to check their own outdoor lights.
1. Check your lights to be sure they are directed downward, to the area you want illuminated.
2. Be sure your outdoor lights do not shine on your neighbor’s property, only on your property.
3. Your lights also may not shine out toward the street and into the eyes of passing motorists.
Please note that illumination of a flag is allowed.
If you are unsure of your light fixtures, you can check online for Dark Sky Compliant Lights. Home Depot and Lowe’s sell DSC light fixtures. They are labeled as Dark Sky Compliant. The actual light bulb should not be visible from a “side view” of your fixture. If your neighbor has a light that is trespassing on your property, show them this flyer and ask them to please adjust their lighting.
In 2005, a representative from McDonald’s Observatory in Ft. Davis remarked that the only thing they could see from Ft. Davis to the West Coast was the light pollution created by El Paso. Since then the amount of light pollution has been significantly reduced thanks to our businesses, city, and residents.
Questions? Contact Marci Turner marciaturner@elp.rr.com
Bottom line: We all can make a difference when it comes to light pollution. Clear Channel should also have a sense of civic pride.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Tell City Council and Matthew McElroy: Don't Amend Dark Sky Ordinance
[Below is from Marci Turner. This is a lengthy post; but please read it and respond. At the very bottom in red is more info from Marci. Again, please read. Please contact your City Council representative and Matthew McElroy. Only elpasonaturally supplies you with email addresses to city representatives and others that go directly to them and not to staff.]
I need your help again. This item set for April 21st was postponed until May 19th. I urge you to forward this to anyone you believe would be interested in helping. We need to show the City community support!
ACTION NEEDED!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This Tuesday, May 19th, City Council will discuss and vote on items on the agenda. These item read as follows:
10.3
An Ordinance amending Title 18, Chapter 18.18 (Outdoor Lighting Code) Of the City Code by amending Chapter 18.19.310 (Nonconformance) to add an exception for upward directed sign lighting for off premise signs and by amending Chapter 18.18.120 (Externally Illuminated Sign Standards) to provide for an exception for upward directed sign lighting. The penalty being as provided in Section 18.02.111 (Violations And Penalties) of the El Paso City Code.
11.1.
An Ordinance amending Title 18, Chapter 18.18 (Outdoor Lighting Code) Of the City Code by amending Chapter 18.19.310 (Nonconformance) to add an exception for upward directed sign lighting for off premise signs and by amending Chapter 18.18.120 (Externally Illuminated Sign Standards) to provide for an exception for upward directed sign lighting. The penalty being as provided in Section 18.02.111 (Violations And Penalties) of the El Paso City Code. [POSTPONED FROM 04-21-2015]
“off premise signs” means billboards. The billboard industry is asking for an exemption from our Outdoor Lighting Code (Dark Sky Ordinance). They are requesting permission to continue using upward directed lights on their billboards.
They are also requesting a one year extension to change their lights to LED. LED lights produce the same amount of light pollution as the current lights, but will save the company money.
HERE is an email I sent to City Council, Mayor, and the City Manager last Monday, before the introduction of this item. Please take a moment to read this message if you have not seen it. I first sent it in April.
I’m asking each of you to send an email to all members of City Council by noon this next Monday asking them to deny any exemptions from our current ordinance. If there are 2 or more in a household, I ask that you send 1 email from each individual account.
Simple Email Example: Dear City Council, please deny any requests for exemptions or changes to our current Dark Sky Ordinance.
Thank you for your help!! Marcia Turner
These emails can be sent as one email if you like….merely type (or cut and paste) each address separated by a semi-colon in the “to” box. I have added the last two names to this list.
District 1 Ann Morgan Lilly lillyam@elpasotexas.gov
District 2 Larry Romero romerol@elpasotexas.gov
District 3 Emma Acosta acostaea@elpasotexas.gov
District 4 Carl Robinson robinsoncl@elpasotexas.gov
District 5 Michiel Noe noem@elpasotexas.gov
District 6 Claudia Ordaz ordazc@elpasotexas.gov
District 7 Lily Limon limonl@elpasotexas.gov
District 8 Cortney Niland nilandcc@elpasotexas.gov
The Mayor Oscar Leeser morenotl@elpasotexas.gov
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez TGonzalaz@elpasotexas.gov
Matthew McElroy, City Planning mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov
I’m going to ask people to send emails to council again – and this time include Mathew S. McElroy, (915) 212-1550, mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov who stated there were no letters or calls objecting to the change.
Also – I’m trying to find three people to speak about the following items presented by the “industry” that convinced the staff to approve the change.
At a Council session of November 18, 2014, council directed staff to revise the Title 18.18 (Dark Sky) Lighting Ordinance subsequent to a presentation by industry representatives that indicated:
• LED lighting is less intrusive than current lighting (this is not true. LED lights emit a white light that is in fact more intrusive – I need someone in lighting who can say this briefly)
• LED lighting is considerably more energy efficient and cost effective. (true, but what benefit is this to the city? It only saves the industry money)
• Retrofitting currently existing signs would be cost prohibitive. (I need a money person to tell the industry revenue for a particular year, and to ask about the expense incurred by local businesses to comply)
I need your help again. This item set for April 21st was postponed until May 19th. I urge you to forward this to anyone you believe would be interested in helping. We need to show the City community support!
ACTION NEEDED!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This Tuesday, May 19th, City Council will discuss and vote on items on the agenda. These item read as follows:
10.3
An Ordinance amending Title 18, Chapter 18.18 (Outdoor Lighting Code) Of the City Code by amending Chapter 18.19.310 (Nonconformance) to add an exception for upward directed sign lighting for off premise signs and by amending Chapter 18.18.120 (Externally Illuminated Sign Standards) to provide for an exception for upward directed sign lighting. The penalty being as provided in Section 18.02.111 (Violations And Penalties) of the El Paso City Code.
11.1.
An Ordinance amending Title 18, Chapter 18.18 (Outdoor Lighting Code) Of the City Code by amending Chapter 18.19.310 (Nonconformance) to add an exception for upward directed sign lighting for off premise signs and by amending Chapter 18.18.120 (Externally Illuminated Sign Standards) to provide for an exception for upward directed sign lighting. The penalty being as provided in Section 18.02.111 (Violations And Penalties) of the El Paso City Code. [POSTPONED FROM 04-21-2015]
“off premise signs” means billboards. The billboard industry is asking for an exemption from our Outdoor Lighting Code (Dark Sky Ordinance). They are requesting permission to continue using upward directed lights on their billboards.
They are also requesting a one year extension to change their lights to LED. LED lights produce the same amount of light pollution as the current lights, but will save the company money.
HERE is an email I sent to City Council, Mayor, and the City Manager last Monday, before the introduction of this item. Please take a moment to read this message if you have not seen it. I first sent it in April.
I’m asking each of you to send an email to all members of City Council by noon this next Monday asking them to deny any exemptions from our current ordinance. If there are 2 or more in a household, I ask that you send 1 email from each individual account.
Simple Email Example: Dear City Council, please deny any requests for exemptions or changes to our current Dark Sky Ordinance.
Thank you for your help!! Marcia Turner
These emails can be sent as one email if you like….merely type (or cut and paste) each address separated by a semi-colon in the “to” box. I have added the last two names to this list.
District 1 Ann Morgan Lilly lillyam@elpasotexas.gov
District 2 Larry Romero romerol@elpasotexas.gov
District 3 Emma Acosta acostaea@elpasotexas.gov
District 4 Carl Robinson robinsoncl@elpasotexas.gov
District 5 Michiel Noe noem@elpasotexas.gov
District 6 Claudia Ordaz ordazc@elpasotexas.gov
District 7 Lily Limon limonl@elpasotexas.gov
District 8 Cortney Niland nilandcc@elpasotexas.gov
The Mayor Oscar Leeser morenotl@elpasotexas.gov
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez TGonzalaz@elpasotexas.gov
Matthew McElroy, City Planning mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov
I’m going to ask people to send emails to council again – and this time include Mathew S. McElroy, (915) 212-1550, mcelroymx@elpasotexas.gov who stated there were no letters or calls objecting to the change.
Also – I’m trying to find three people to speak about the following items presented by the “industry” that convinced the staff to approve the change.
At a Council session of November 18, 2014, council directed staff to revise the Title 18.18 (Dark Sky) Lighting Ordinance subsequent to a presentation by industry representatives that indicated:
• LED lighting is less intrusive than current lighting (this is not true. LED lights emit a white light that is in fact more intrusive – I need someone in lighting who can say this briefly)
• LED lighting is considerably more energy efficient and cost effective. (true, but what benefit is this to the city? It only saves the industry money)
• Retrofitting currently existing signs would be cost prohibitive. (I need a money person to tell the industry revenue for a particular year, and to ask about the expense incurred by local businesses to comply)
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