To the Editor:

The recent discussion of five options for sports fields lighting by Karen Peterson is a good start and should have been fashioned before any feasibility study was undertaken.

The whole idea of a feasibility study is a bit vapid. Of course, installing permanent lighting is feasible. So would installing a bowling alley, miniature golf course, or like contraption. But who would want such after reflecting on the true costs vs. any benefits to all Bronxville citizens.

The letter to the editor by the three eminent doctors was not particularly enlightening. It stated: "Therefore, field lighting would create no more nighttime light exposure than what we are currently exposed to in our own kitchens or living rooms. . . ."  

While walking on Midland last week, some 200 yards from the sports field, I was shocked by the intensity of the temporary lighting that was in use on the athletic field, likely less intense than what we can expect from the planned permanent lighting. It was quite startling and irritating, and would certainly adversely affect those living nearby.

What was not addressed by the doctors was the effect of the harsh permanent lighting combined with the usual booming/abrasive sound system and "festive" crowd, local and otherwise, attending a given sports event. Without doubt, I have to believe that any folks living near the field during an "event" would suffer greatly.

And should it be assumed that only Bronxville sports teams would use the fields at night? Would the availability of the new toy provoke interest in using the field for other endeavors? Perhaps music festivals? By those outside Bronxville?

Never forget that once a government-sponsored/connected asset is in place, our ever-present politicians, court system, regulators, et al., will be hovering nearby. Can't have an unfairly highly endowed village like Bronxville not share its bounty with less fortunate neighbors!

What is the effect on the environment with the installation of these 70- and 80-foot towers? Anticipating a severe weather event, such as a full-scale hurricane, even just a severe squall line, along with lightning, in summer, the foundations for the towers would need to be substantial.

And how 'bout those 70/80-foot towers swaying in the wind? At given high wind speeds, including gusts from different directions, what is the potential of the towers colliding with one another? Any danger to the immediate neighbors from the flying debris? Would any shrapnel wounds to community members in neighboring abodes be covered by Obamacare?

As well, in the construction effort, how many trees would be taken down and how much soil would be displaced by steel and cement, exacerbating the existing flooding problem in the area? Such is especially important in light of the plasticizing of the sports fields some years ago that has adversely affected the flooding situation, especially for our neighbors and community members living adjacent to the sports field.

While I see a benefit in having the ability to conduct sports activities in nighttime hours, when one balances that benefit against the many known negatives as well as unknown ones, construction of 70- and 80-foot permanent lighting towers just does not seem to be such a bright idea.

John Considine
23 Normandy Terrace
Bronxville, New York 10708
October 26, 2013

Editor's Note: MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements in letters to the editor, and the opinions do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff. Its objective in publishing letters to the editor is to give air to diverse thoughts and opinions of residents in the community.