Mucci can't expand until light problem gets fixed

HURON — Huron officials prohibited Mucci Farms from expanding and won't lift the ban until its executives can solve an ongoing light pollution issue. After facing immense pressure from locals, city council members, at a recent public meeting, backed a moratorium for Mucci.Upon building the first greenhouse in 2017, Mucci planned to operate three similarly sized structures, all growing tomatoes, at its site, beside BGSU Firelands. The other two greenhouses remain in development and construction phases.Though, with more greenhouses, the brighter Huron's night skies could get if Mucci can't figure out a proper ventilation system causing this issue."Light can be seen when we are venting the farm," company spokesman Ajit Saxena said. "The (blackout) curtains are fully installed and deployed, however, we do need to release the immense amount of heat emitted from the lights on a daily basis."For several weeks now, almost on a daily basis, a yellow-orange hue illuminates Huron's night skies. Seen from upward of 30 miles away, many people claim they can't sleep and are generally disturbed by the light.Fed up with the situation, officials pushed forward with a moratorium as a last resort, of sorts, to address a growing community concern."There might not be a second or third phase," city manager Andy White said about Mucci's planned development. "I would hope that's not the case because there is a significant investment that has taken place out there, however, I wouldn't disagree with anyone: We can all observe what the light pollution looks like and can imagine what it will look like if, in 2022, it's 60 degrees outside in January, and it's 300 percent more than what (the light) is right now."The latest on the light situationThis past week, a Mucci spokesman provided the Register with an update into this light pollution problem."Our team and the city are communicating and making progress on a solution," said Saxena, failing to provide any more details or specifics.Two weeks ago, at the most recent council meeting, officials began pursuing legal action against Mucci. They agreed on hiring an attorney, who should provide guidance into possible enforcement, through fines and criminal action, for Mucci if this problem persists.Though, because of rules outlined in Huron's charter, it might take about two months before council can impose any sort of light pollution law.It's expected council members will discuss the situation at Tuesday's meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend and speak on this matter.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.This photo, taken on Jan. 13, shows the light pollution issue caused by Mucci Farms, illuminating Huron's skies during nighttime.