CAPE MAY – Cape May City Council’s September 18 meeting had on its agenda a vote to adopt the city’s new light pollution ordinance within residential zones. Instead, the council heard a number of recommendations for changes to the ordinance coming from its solicitor. Discussion among council members led to the adoption of the changes proposed by Solicitor Christopher Gillan-Schwartz, among which was a change in title. The ordinance as reintroduced now prohibited light trespass as opposed to light pollution.

The discussion focused on how to avoid having the ordinance seen as intrusive and as setting regulations for outdoor lighting. “Its purpose is to deal with a situation of nuisance lighting, not to set standards,” Gillan-Schwartz said.

The altered ordinance will be readvertised and made available to the public with a public hearing likely at the council’s October 17 meeting. At that time it will come up for possible adoption.