Controversial Lights At Tatlock Fields At The Center Of Summit Town Hall

SUMMIT, NJ — City leaders are hosting a town hall with the community to discuss the Tatlock Fields lighting project.

On Nov. 13 at the Summit City Hall Council Chamber, residents will be able to review proposed usage times, discuss alternative ways to address certain issues, and ask questions of project leaders.

Starting at 7 p.m., the Town Hall will also be streamed live on the City of Summit's Facebook page.

On Oct. 7, a $1.2 million contract for lights at Upper Tatlock and Investors Bank Fields was approved after long being the subject of scrutiny for its potential impact on the neighborhood.

"This is a big night for Summit sports and our entire community," said Councilmember Kevin Smallwood, opening up the discussion that night about the lights. "The vision of lighting Tatlock began nearly a decade ago with the Tatlock Redevelopment Plan."

After a near-unanimous vote, Musco Sports Lighting LLC was awarded the project by Common Council. While benefitting the flexibility of scheduling and safety for the many athletic programs that use the facilities, the plan continues to have its naysayers.

At the center of the concerns are the high-powered lights remaining on and the noise created by games that may extend into the late hours of the night. "Many of the concerns of the concerns we've heard extend beyond lighting, and we remain fully committed to continuing the dialogue and resolving those issues that matter to our neighbors," added Smallwood.

Also coming into question is the methods in which the project is being funded. In early September, Common Council approved a $500,000 anonymous donation made through the Summit Foundation.

The private nonprofit says its goal is to use philanthropy to better the lives of members within the community it serves. Donations through the group can remain anonymous, a point that caused great debate among the public and city officials during the meeting

The tentative usage schedule for the Tatlock lights and parameters will be available on the City's website prior to the Nov. 13 Town Hall meeting.

The Summit City Hall Council Chamber is located at 512 Springfield Ave.

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