My Letter to the Editor (published 18 February)

I’m afraid the Telegraph editors missed the import of Ron Lemon’s insightful commentary on Times Square South (8 February). I do not know anyone who finds the array of billboards on I-75 to the north and south of Macon attractive; the lights that illuminate these billboards are often excessively bright and poorly positioned (occasionally directing light into the eyes of oncoming drivers). Unless city leaders agree to formulate some legislation that delimit the size, wattage and location of the increasingly-popular LED displays (such as those found at OrthoGeorgia, WPGA, Opera House), a more intrusive version of billboard blight will develop along all major arteries within the city of Macon. As more businesses adopt this new technology to inform, to advertize, and to “outshine” competitors for the attention of drivers-by, our region will be enveloped with a halo of unnecessary and offensive light.

Irresponsible lighting has harmful effects on all living creatures, and it has proved to be penny-wise and pound-foolish in many cities around the world. I invite our city leaders and anyone sharing this concern to become better educated about outdoor lighting at http://mg4rl.blogspot.com (Middle Georgians for Responsible Lighting). Look at the satellite images of Georgia to see how extensively light pollution has sprawled over the past twenty years. Read the articles on how other cities and citizens have been able to save money and improve the quality of life through responsible lighting. And let’s take constructive and preventive action to require sensible lighting practices before it is too late.