March 5, 2003—The Town of Harmony, Florida is installing special light fixtures on all streets and public parks that will curb light pollution. The move makes Harmony the largest private community in the nation to adopt such progressive anti light-pollution policies.
Lighting in all public areas will be directed downward. Energy-efficient low-wattage bulbs will help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that escapes into the air. Dark Sky-friendly street lamps and other outdoor lighting fixtures will be installed throughout Harmony.
Although Harmony’s commitment to Dark Sky lighting will cost slightly more than if the town had settled on typical lighting fixtures, the community’s stewards believe this feature will result in higher real-estate values for homeowners. They hope to produce a “home town” feeling, with a development that showcases the natural world.
When completed, Harmony will be home to some 18,000 people and will be among the nation’s most “environmentally intelligent” communities, with 70 percent of its lands set aside for wilderness.
