With a permanent refrain – in the form of an alibi – reference to its approval Archaeological Service, the Mayor of Kythira, Efstratios Charhalakis, He defended the municipality's decision to install new lighting in Kapsali, which provoked reactions from residents and professionals in the area regarding the high intensity of the cold light bulbs.
Mr. Charhalakis referred to similar projects in other metropolitan municipalities in the country, even posting photos on his personal Facebook profile from the New Beach of Thessaloniki and Patras Lighthouse. This is undoubtedly an unfortunate comparison, since in these areas there is a large distance between the location of the lights and the nearest houses. Moreover, this is where a large proportion of the complaints are focused, which in the case of Kapsali emphasize the intensity of public lighting, as well as the cold type, which is considered particularly annoying.
And maybe there really isn't. «objectively good aesthetics,», as regards the general framework of a project, as the mayor points out, However, when many «subjective accusatory voices» converge from the specific context of the area concerned, then an «objective reality» is automatically formed. We cannot simply ignore this, relying on hearts and likes from personal cheerleaders on social media, who may not even know where Kapsali is. Nor in the perspective from which we «see» a work of art. After all, no one has ever been personally threatened by the bombs of Picasso's «Guernica.» Art is a choice, a window we open depending on our mood. It is not imposed on us as a mood outside the window of our soul.
Finally, the mayor's reference to «various types of private interventions (usually arbitrary and without permits) in various parts of the island,», which, according to him, those who have complaints about the lighting should also report. Of course, here we are dealing with the definition of «one thing does not negate the other.» One does not negate the other, unless, of course, we invoke the latter to exert some form of psychological pressure on the collective mood and distract public opinion from the issue under discussion. Beyond that, it goes without saying that the first ones who should take action against any arbitrariness are the competent authorities. First and foremost, the municipality and the mayor personally, who, we want to believe, since he raised the issue of «arbitrary private interventions», he will enforce the law, as he has stated many times. Will he actually do so, or is he just waving his finger to intimidate people?;
The mayor's post
«The new lighting recently installed on Nikis Avenue in Thessaloniki and at the Patras Lighthouse (and previously on Nea Paralia in Thessaloniki) is LED-based and quite intense. (I can publish corresponding photos from dozens of other areas, urban, island, coastal, tourist, archaeological, with exactly the same lighting fixtures and exactly the same result). It is similar to the new lighting network in Kapsali, which was installed following a lighting study and approval by the Archaeological Service. Those of us who have walked along the beach in Thessaloniki with the White Tower in the background remember the old orange lighting along the coast, which I personally did not like at all, nor did it provide any light.
I am completely satisfied with the aesthetic result, as are many citizens who may not want to express their opinions publicly, but who have sent me and my colleagues personal messages and phone calls to congratulate us.
I understand that a lighting project, like a renovation or even a painting, is liked by some, disliked by others, and leaves others indifferent. For example, I don't like Picasso, but he is still Picasso! So it's clearly a subjective matter.
If we hold a “referendum” on this project and ask, for example, 100 people, we will get 100 different opinions: some want warm lighting, others want white lighting, some want a half-meter pole, others want a 3-meter pole, others want a 5-meter pole, some want a light fixture with a cover, some want a globe, others want a bare one, some want cast iron, others aluminum, and others complete darkness, etc. But this way, no project will ever get done. Because, “Objectively good aesthetics” does not exist., especially in redevelopment and public lighting projects. That is why there are competent authorities, primarily the Archaeological Service, to assess and approve these projects through procedures defined by law. In fact, these specific lights are the same ones that the Ministry of Culture now approves for renovations and archaeological sites, and they have been selected based on the specifications of the Italian Ministry of Culture (which has hundreds of monuments and knows how to light and showcase them!).
Furthermore, if some people find this lighting aesthetically disturbing, perhaps they should show the same sensitivity and in various types of private interventions (usually arbitrary and without permits) in various parts of the island?;
However, a similar reaction 15 years ago deprived our island of a state-of-the-art 60-berth marina in Back to Gialos, with approved funding of €2.5 million at the time and with the “terrible” argument that the cables from the boats would cause noise and disturb the peace and sleep of the residents! Similar reactions were seen when the Castle was illuminated and when the Bell Tower of Myrtidiotissa was illuminated. Who was ultimately right? The reactions or the lighting?;
I am very much in favor of lighting projects. And I am glad that we have completed quite a few (e.g., Agia Pelagia, Livadi, Fratsion Square, Limania, etc.).
The lighting in Kapsali will initially be completed by Magou, and in the following years in Piso Gialos. By summer, new LED lights will be installed in Diakofto (from the port to the bridge), in Livadi (in areas not covered last year), and in the town square. The “classic” cast iron lights that we have come to regard as “traditional” over the years have now come to the end of their historical cycle, and we are obliged to follow modern lighting trends. And that is what we will do.»
See the photos used in the posts by the mayor of Kythira.
