Chicopee School Committee debates high school lighting project

Nov. 10, 2021 | Matt Conway
mconway@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – An outside lighting project for the Chicopee High School turf field was passed in July 2019 by City Council, but the topic drew divisive discourse during a School Committee meeting on Nov. 3.

When the agenda item was presented by Mayor John Vieau, At-Large committee member Douglas Girouard shared his apprehensions with the project going forward. He explained that a verbal promise was made to neighbors of the school that there would not be any major outdoor lighting projects, with some people in the area being concerned that intrusive lighting could disturb the neighborhood.

“Tonight, I received a couple of calls from residents that don’t want the lighting to happen, so I am not in favor of the lighting until we get further information,” said Girouard.

After Girouard motioned for the verbal agreement to be reviewed by the law department, Ward 7 committee member Donald Lamothe described the origins of the project. He said the project was initially introduced as a part of a $3.2 million legislation package during Mayor Richard Kos’s tenure. “It was voted on as a part of a package,” said Lamothe.

Committee member Susan Ann Szetela Lopes of Ward 6 addressed the project’s current state of implementation, sharing that the lights have already been purchased and delivered to the high school. “This is happening, it’s going to happen as early as next week,” said Szetela Lopes.

She shared that while the school tried to maintain its verbal promise with neighbors from 2012, an increased desire to expand athletics led to the project’s passing. A member of the neighborhood expressed his dissatisfaction to Szetela Lopes prior to the meeting, with the committee member sharing that citizens of the neighborhood wish the city was more empathetic to their concerns. “They would have liked to be heard on the project,” said Szetela Lopes.

Vieau read a letter sent to the neighborhood detailing the reasons why outdoor lighting was viewed as a necessity. Among the reasons, an over-reliance on Szot Park’s grass fields, the addition of sports like lacrosse and an over-scheduled arrangement at the high school due to the inability for nighttime participation were central factors.

“Installing lights in the turf would give Chicopee High School student athletes the same opportunities of extended practice times that Chicopee Comprehensive High School has,” said Vieau as he read the letter. The mayor stressed that the LED lighting would not be intrusive to the neighborhood.

After extensive discussion, the mayor explained that he would be voting no on Girouard’s motion, as he did not want to put the city at risk for a lawsuit by ceasing work of an agreed-upon project. The School Committee ultimately agreed, defeating the motion in a 7-3 vote.

The Chicopee School Committee will meet again on Nov. 17.

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