Elizabethton Residents Clash Over Bright Security Lights
In a small town like Elizabethton, where neighbors often become friends, a recent City Council meeting turned into an unexpected showdown over something as simple as lighting. The issue at hand? Security lights that one resident claims are too bright and intrusive.
A Light That Disturbs
James Winchester, who lives with his wife, Toni, at 173 C. Grindstaff Road, has been vocal about his concerns at recent council meetings. On Thursday night, he addressed the council once again, arguing that the LED security lights installed by the neighboring Evening Breeze Arena, located at 239 C. Grindstaff Road, were causing significant nuisance and disturbing the peaceful ambiance of their rural home.
Winchester’s complaint dates back three months, as he has approached the council multiple times, expressing how the bright lights from the arena are disrupting their evening tranquility. He even created a pamphlet detailing various outdoor lighting types to argue his case further.
The Legal Angle
During the meeting, Winchester emphasized the legal context of his complaints, referencing a ruling from the Tennessee Court of Appeals which defines a “nuisance” as anything that annoys or disturbs the free use of one’s property. “If there is any member of this council who thinks that would not be an aggravation to the property owner, I’d like to hear about it,” he lamented, as he showed a photo of the offending light fixture from a distance of 250 yards.
Counterpoint from the Neighbors
However, it wasn’t all one-sided. June McPherson, identifying herself as the owner of the arena, provided a counterpoint that wowed the audience. “I’m not a lawyer. I’m not a very good speaker, but I will tell you he does not speak for our community,” she said, defending her right to have security lighting.
McPherson argued that the community appreciates these lights for the sense of security they provide. She mentioned the light had served its purpose since 1997, but was recently replaced with a brighter LED light only after it malfunctioned. “All of the other people in our community love having security lights. They feel safe, they feel secure, just as we do,” she emphasized.
A Divided Community?
The tension escalated as McPherson accused the Winchesters of trying to impose their views on the neighborhood. After all, they moved from a gated community in Colorado—an environment with strict regulations—into a rural area where norms might differ. “They’re trying to restrict all of Carter County,” she declared.
Moreover, she noted that there had been no complaints about the light until the Winchesters’ arrival in the area. “From the time they have moved in, they have constantly harassed myself, my mother, my husband, and other people in the community,” she explained, arguing that their desire to have security against potential intrusions should be prioritized over complaints about brightness.
The Council’s Role
The city council was left to ponder this clash. Councilman Richard Barker asked a poignant question: were there security lights at the arena when the Winchesters moved in? McPherson confirmed they existed prior to their arrival, implying that they had made a conscious choice to live near illuminated property.
If the situation wasn’t convoluted enough, McPherson mentioned her intent to draft a petition concerning the matter ahead of the next council meeting scheduled for October 10. Meanwhile, the Electric Department has been transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting but insists on the importance of meeting community needs for security lighting.
Bridging The Divide
As Elizabethton continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether the clash over lighting will help bridge understanding within the community or deepen divides. Mayor Curt Alexander had earlier suggested that lighting and dark skies may become a topic for future discussion, hinting that there could be room for compromise. For now, both sides of this shining debate have made their voices heard.
