KENT, Conn.—Evening visitors to the library at its temporary location in Kent Green may notice that the lights illuminating their way are brighter than usual.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Tai Kern reported to the Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night that Green owner John Casey has had to resort to portable LED lights while he sorts out a problem with his normal lighting system. “It’s an emergency situation,” Kern said.
Casey, who attended the PZC’s regular meeting explained that he installed DarkSky friendly street lights in September 2025. “They are controlled by a proprietary software based on Bluetooth, but they are not working according to the specifications,” Casey said. He has been trying to solve the problem by working with the “recalcitrant” provider.
“I’ve had four technician visits, and it has made the problem worse,” he said. “They installed new software that is not working. I’m fit to be tied. I am in daily contact with the factory and am trying my best to get it repaired.”
Casey said use of the portable lights may go on for some time as he attempts to correct the problem. “I’m extremely frustrated,” he said, “but I have to make the Green as safe as I can. The lights are a little bright, but they face inwards toward the Green and don’t go toward the public streets.”
He noted that with the return to Eastern Standard Time daylight dims at 4 p.m. and is “super dark” at 5 o’clock.
“The library has evening hours and programs and we have to do what we can to make it safe for people to come in and out—but the cost is a higher lumen level than we would like.”
He promised to go around and unplug the lights at the end of the business day.
