The Foster Township Supervisors at their meeting this week entertained a request by the Greater Hazleton Astronomical Society for enactment of a lighting ordinance for the protection of its Observation facility at Eckley.
Gary Honis, assistant director of the astronomical society, appeared at the meeting and told the supervisors that his unit was recommending that Foster Township adopt an outdoor lighting ordinance similar to the ones some of the neighboring municipalities have.
The society's facility is located in close proximity to the Anthracite Museum at Eckley Miners' Village and to the Eckley ball field.
However, since establishment of the society's observation site several years ago, a stone quarry and proposed asphalt manufacturing plant have been located in the area, just east of the society's property.
Honis said the concern of his organization is not only lighting, but also steam dirt, soot and smell that could emit from the asphalt operations.
He added that the society's equipment is very sensitive and if the asphalt plant operates at night, the astronomers would have to shut down.
Honis said his request is for the plant to install newer shielding lighting by which light is directed downward.
The society has been working with local governments since 1989 on updating ordinances relating to exterior lighting.
He stated that his unit also is working with the plant owners about the lighting concerns.
Supervisor Jonas Schell moved to have the matter tabled and take it up under advisement with the township planning consultant and solicitor Albert F. Maier and come up with some answers at the March meeting.