HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-20 OPH Memo Re Buisness Area Light Splash City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Phone: 651.439.4439, Ext. 1105
P.O. Box 2007 Email: jhultman @cityofoakparkheights.com
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Fax: 651.439.0574
MEMO
To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
From: Julie Hultman, Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
Date: January 20, 2012
Re: 5888 Olene Ave. N. — Light from Adjacent Business Area
Charles Simonet contacted the City, concerned about the amount of light that was shining into
the bedroom of his home located at 5888 Olene Ave. N. I visited Mr. Simonet to investigate
his concern at a time when the business and restaurant lightings were engaged and found that
there was in fact significant light spread into his home.
I also drove the site line of the lighting from Mr. Simonet's home in an attempt to identify a
source. From the Golden Crown restaurant parking area, looking directly toward Mr.
Simonet's home, it does appear that the light source is coming from the parking lot light poles
of the restaurant areas of McDonalds and/or Pizza Hut. There are a number of poles that are
quite brightly illuminated (perhaps a recent bulb change). The lenses of these poles, including
several that face Mr. Simonet's neighborhood, are angled upward and not at a 90 degree full
cut off, spilling a good amount of light outward.
I believe that the light spread to Mr. Simonet's home could be greatly reduced by simply
having the restaurants and other businesses along 60''' St., correct the angle of their parking lot
light fixtures so that they are full cut off.