Re: (SNES) Bleak Days Ahead for FDO?

["Les Coleman" <les11@cox.net>]

> Following recent articles in The Westerly Sun newspaper, I sense an
> ominous trend against dark skies at FDO.  First, the Ninigret Park area
> was not a likely candidate to build  a new Charlestown school,  now a
> few weeks later,  it is considered a prime location to put the school.
> Commercial development of Ninigret was also considered taboo, now it's
> being touted.  A token "Sky Theatre" may be all that is left for
> astronomy, real "live" observing at FDO appears very threatened by the
> plague of light pollution caused by these proposed endeavors.  Is
> shielded lighting near FDO the best we can hope and strive for? How can
> you shield against night sporting events with their gadzillion lumens of
> light pollution? I try to remain optimistic for the future of FDO, but
> when tax money and commercial interests come up against preserving the
> night sky,  no doubt we have a tough uphill battle on our hands. I'm
> putting buying my new 10" scope on hold until I see what the future of
> FDO is. It appears Mr. Bliven's unfortunate passing has let the
> predators out to create a new "Master Plan" for Ninigret Park.

Hi Ernie,

I saw the same article, but before I panic completely, I'll see how it plays
out. It turns out that the park was deeded to the town with some very
restrictive limitations. Using the park for a lot of different activities,
particularly permanent activities is something that will be tied up in the
courts if it ever goes that far. Essentially the same coallition that
stopped the nuclear plant is against a great deal of the ideas that people
float for the park. Certainly the passing of George Bliven was a blow to
Ninigret Park, but the folks he rallied still meet regularly and have kept
Charlestown from taking some of its zanier ideas and running with them.

I am certainly not suggesting that the park is immune to invasion by light
polluting activities, but so much of what happens in these small coastal
towns is all hype and hoopla. Charlestown has yet to digest what a disaster
their leaving the Chariho district will be. They expected lower taxes but
they have discovered that the whole town is liable for the costs to the
other towns in the Chariho district (Hopkington and Richmond) for 10 years.
Esssentially, it is paying alimony.

We may lose  our precious spot of darkness but it will take more than
someone's unfunded hopes to make a financial killing with deeded town
property to do it. It will take lots of court battles and legal challanges.
I'm not saying it can't happen, but it isn't a done deal.

Les
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