Town Pilots New Streetlights On Main Street To Combat Light Pollution

The town announced Tuesday that it is launching a pilot demonstration of decorative streetlights aimed at reducing light pollution, in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Four WPI students, sponsored by the town’s Department of Public Works, Energy Office, and the non-profit Nantucket Lights, are currently inventorying all town-owned outdoor lighting, identifying fixtures that need upgrades to comply with the newly adopted outdoor lighting bylaw, and proposing an action plan.

As part of this initiative, temporary “Dark Sky-friendly” LED streetlights have been temporarily installed on lower Main Street. These new fixtures, designed with a lens-free, minimalist aesthetic to minimize glare and uplight, mark a departure from the island’s traditional streetlight designs. The streetlights will be displayed near the Main Street fountain until November 22, and WPI students will be on-site in the evenings, Monday through Friday, collecting feedback through a survey. The input received from the public "will help inform the town’s future lighting decisions and contribute to efforts to reduce light pollution on the island."

In addition, the town’s Energy Office and DPW have secured a $75,000 grant from Remain to support light pollution reduction efforts, including purchasing new, bylaw-compliant fixtures for municipal properties. For more information or questions, please contact Lauren Sinatra, Energy Coordinator, at Lsinatra@nantucket-ma.gov