[BCNnet] Fw:response from Bill Evans on possible adverse effects of Palmolive beacon

[Alan Anderson]

I asked Bill Evans, who has done a lot of research into adverse affects of
tall Towers (utility) and lights on migrants, to comment on the Palmolive
beacon.   See below for a response.  I guess BCN and bird groups should try
to minimize
adverse effects that this beacon would have.   How?   your thoughts, please
...

Alan Anderson, casrearch@attbi.com , Des Plaines

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Evans"
To: "Alan Anderson" <casresearch@attbi.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2002 6:04 PM
Subject: Re: another migration threat Fw: Palmolive beacon article; APril 4


> Alan,
> I would anticipate large annual bird mortality from such a beam. Certainly
> this Chicago beam would be a worthy cause for you all to address.  There
is
> ample evidence from the old ceilometers at airports of the large mortality
> that can occur because of such intense lighting. Recently in NYC the city
> cooperated with local Audubon officials in making the twin towers of light
> tribute as safe for birds as possible.
>
> Bill
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Alan Anderson <casresearch@attbi.com>
> To: Bill Evans > Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2002 6:32 PM
> Subject: another migration threat?
> >
> Hi, Bill,
>
> I think this beacon would be just as damaging as leaving the lights on at
> the Hancock and Sears Buildings for migrants.
> What are your thoughts?
>
> Palmolive beacon set to shine again
>
> April 4, 2002
>
> BY DAVID ROEDER BUSINESS REPORTER
>
> The owner of the Palmolive Building at 919 N. Michigan said Wednesday a
new
> design for a beacon atop the landmark building will prevent light from
> shining into nearby high-rises.
>
> Draper and Kramer Inc., which will convert the 1929 Art Deco building from
> offices to condominiums, said a test of the beacon Tuesday night was a
> success. Last August, the company raised a ruckus in Streeterville when it
> gave the beacon a post-midnight tryout, and light poured through the
windows
> of nearby high-rises.
>
> But during the latest test, light meters on other buildings, including the
> Hancock Center, recorded no perceptible changes as the beacon traversed a
> 120-degree arc, said Draper Assistant Vice President Peter Bazeli. The
beam
> was pointed over Lake Michigan and oscillated from about North Avenue
Beach
> to Navy Pier, its intended path once it is permanently installed.
>
> Streeterville's alderman, Burton Natarus (42nd), refrained from seconding
> Draper's view, saying he'll wait to hear from any aggrieved residents
before
> passing judgment. Natarus and a few community representatives witnessed
the
> Tuesday night light show from Oak Street Beach.
>
> "People are paying big bucks to live in that vicinity, and their interests
> have to be protected,'' Natarus said.
>
> Draper hopes the beacon will act as a nighttime billboard promoting condo
> sales, although the first tenants aren't expected to move in for a couple
> years. The project also honors the Palmolive's history.
>
> With interruptions because of war or energy crises, the beacon rotated 360
> degrees atop the building from 1930 to 1981. It was darkened when it
finally
> became too much for people in later-arriving high-rises.
>
> Bazeli said advances in lighting design permit the beacon's return. The
> design includes a lamp shield, a tunnel-like extension of the housing and
a
> baffle, all to focus the beam. The latest test was conducted from the east
> part of the Palmolive roof, but plans call for the beam to operate
> permanently from its old mast that crowns the 37-story building.
>
> The original light debuted with a ceremony that featured President Herbert
> Hoover flicking the switch. It boasted 2 billion candlepower, and pilots
> reported seeing it from 300 miles away. Dignitaries wanted to name the
> beacon for Charles Lindbergh, but the aviator declined the honor.
>
> Bazeli said the new version will measure at 7 billion candlepower, but
will
> look as bright as the old one because of other lights on the skyline.
>
> If the city approves it, the beacon could be dedicated as soon as this
> summer and will be named for the International Brotherhood of Electrical
> Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Members of
> those groups installed and maintained the beacon, plus their joint pension
> fund is the biggest investor in Draper's condo conversion.
>
> Bazeli said that once the building is sold out and management shifts to a
> condo association, the beacon and its stalk won't be a cash drain. He said
> the energy it uses is equivalent to the power draw of 11 hair dryers.
>
>
>
>