The Chelsea Dark Sky Coalition gave a presentation to the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority Board on May 20 asking that they consider modifying the source of what they consider light pollution in the downtown.
Several group members asked that the board be aware of downtown lighting and requested that the street lights have shields installed on them to point the light downward. This, they said, mitigates light glare that has a negative effect on birds, plants, humans and energy consumption.
The DDA board unanimously approved a request by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce for $4,500 to market the city and take advantage of a program from Mlive to match ad dollars to advertise the city’s events, recreation and other opportunities.
During the report portion of the meeting, Community Development Director Julia Upfal said the planned redevelopment of the Rockwell Building continues moving forward and that the parklets have been delivered to the city’s Department of Public Works.
In addition to this year’s sculpture walk installation, the DPW will be installing the parklets along Park Street, in the parking lot behind Common Grill, one on Middle Street next and one potentially on Main Street.
Also discussed were the new “social districts” where open alcohol consumption will be allowed. A few details need to be worked out with property owners but these areas will be marked by signage. And, those partaking in this new opportunity will be carrying cups with stickers from the establishment in which they purchased the alcohol.
The Chelsea City Council recently adopted a resolution to create these Social Districts and additional information can be found below.
