Detroit Lions

Petition: Detroit stadium roof causes light pollution

Published Feb. 10, 2017 4:14 p.m. ET

DETROIT (AP) A petition is circulating that calls on Detroit's NFL stadium to turn off its blue nighttime roof lighting.

The blue glow began last August as part of a $2 million renovation at Ford Field that added LED lighting with changeable colors and images to the roof, the Detroit Free Press (http://on.freep.com/2kd3U6D ) reported.

Detroit resident Margo Dalal started the petition online Tuesday, saying the stadium's roof is light pollution. She said she hopes Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is willing to limit illuminating the stadium only on game nights.

''I live 3.5 miles away and have it shining through my window every night,'' the 23-year-old said. ''These lights are on every single night, every single day of the week. ... That's absurd.''

Dalal argues that the stadium broke the city's illumination ordinance, but the Detroit Lions said Ford Field followed municipal protocol by getting all necessary permits for the lights.

''Additionally, we have received positive feedback from law enforcement personnel, nearby businesses and city residents about improved safety,'' the football team stated. ''Our belief is that light emanating from Ford Field, along with other nearby sports and entertainment venues, contributes to a more vibrant atmosphere in downtown Detroit.''

Many people who signed the petition are complaining about the light's negative impact on nighttime drivers. One said the lighting is distracting for drivers, especially on the freeway, and questions the lighting's effect on the environment.

LED light can negatively impact night wildlife and cause a disability glare for those driving at night, according to a study last year by the American Medical Association Council on Science and Public Health.

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Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com