'Lumens' policy an affront to land rights
I wondered why the ZBA was charged with analyzing the minutiae presented to the public at last week's meeting until the chairman stated that the ZBA was appointed by the village board.
I did not knowingly vote for any member of the village board who would support the frivolous activity that has been antagonizing our community; many of us have found the village board's occupation with lighting of our properties amusing since no one could seriously consider the proposed lumens ordinance in any other light.
But I am no longer entertained by the prospect of this assault on my constitutional rights to freedom of expression, privacy and equal protection under the law guaranteed by the First and Fourth amendments. Further, the Ninth amendment provides that government cannot subvert rights implied but not specifically spelled out; and lastly the 14th amendment guarantees my right to be secure in my person and in my house. Unfortunately, the proposed lighting ordinance is clearly in violation of each of these.
While state Rep. Mark Beaubien supported Illinois HR 0884 - containing 14 "whereases" regarding the benefits of dark skies - he also wrote a letter admonishing local municipalities not to adopt stringent outdoor lighting ordinances "that take away homeowners' rights to provide for their security or safety or rightful recreational enjoyment of their properties."
He further stated that instead of legislating, local governments should be educating residents and that ultimately, it is for the homeowner, and not the government, to determine how much light is needed to make families safe and secure and to enjoy their property.
The zoning board has expended thousands of our tax dollars on engineering studies that could well have been used for education. Must we now be demeaned by the appearance of the lumen police on our property - and at what financial burden to enforce compliance to a lighting ordinance?
Only an arrogant village board would persist in this expensive folly and I suggest they begin to reflect the will of the people rather than their own delusional view of how they personally would like things to be.
Stephen M. Harrison
Barrington Hills