Tenafly’s Peaceful Commons Opposing Decision to Install 70′ Tall Lights at Geissinger Field

Tenafly Peaceful Commons Oppose 70′ Tall Stadium Lights

The Tenafly Borough Council voted to spend up to $885,000 on the stadium light towers and artificial turf. Funds  for the project are to be  taken from the Open space Trust Fund.

“We the Tenafly Environmental Commission believe the Open Space trust fund monies should be used for the acquisition of land for recreation and conservation purposes,” Joseph Lavin said, chairman of the Environmental Commission, said. “It should not be used for any improvements at Geissinger Field located and Jefferson and Sunset”

Tenafly’s Peaceful Commons just mailed out a town-wide mailer calling for residents to sign up and insist that a referendum be used to decide the issue.

According to the mailer of Tenafly’s Peaceful Commons , Tenafly’s citizens  resisted a 7 story stadium light already back in 2001 and a gain in 2005 in a referendum that talked about spending $900,000 for new turf. The referendum resulted in a 60% to 40% against the spending. According to the mailer the board of education is vigorously resisting another  referendum in light of past results.

Main reasons for resisting the vote are:

• The high night light will illuminate residential areas.
• Increased noise
• Increased traffic
• Insufficient parking
• Lack of adequate traffic control
• Threat to safety of kids and pedestrians
• Cost to taxpayers for additional police
• Potential vandalism and crime
• Devaluation of residential properties