The Maryland Port Administration is going ahead with installation of a dramatic new lighting system for the top of the World Trade Center downtown, despite complaints that it will increase "light pollution" and may threaten migrating birds.
The plans call for 10 narrow beams of bluish-white xenon light to be aimed at the horizon from atop the 28-story office tower. The building is owned by the Port Administration.
Construction of the $341,000 lighting system has already begun and a full-scale test is likely sometime next week. The formal switch-throwing is planned for New Year's Eve.
"We're still going to proceed," said Linda Jordan, a Port Administration spokeswoman. "However, we are going to work with the Department of Natural Resources and let them study the lights once they're on. If there's any adverse effect on migrating birds . . . DNR can then come back to us and say, 'We think you ought to tweak this or adjust that.' "
Wildlife experts have said the lights could attract night-migrating songbirds during foggy weather in the spring and fall, causing them to become disoriented and crash into the building or one another.
As for the light pollution issue, she said, "Obviously, more light in any urban area could be a problem, but we don't think these particular lights are going to have that adverse an effect."
There is some "misunderstanding" about how intense the lights will be, she said. "Once the lights are up there will be far more . . . acceptance."
Amateur astronomy groups and several professionals had complained that the lights would add significantly to the urban glow that already dims the stars for miles around the city.
But after consulting with scientists, Ms. Jordan said, "We don't believe it's going to be an issue affecting astronomical observations."
That decision is "real disappointing," said Herman Heyn, an amateur who is familiar to many Baltimoreans as the "street-corner astronomer." He sets up his telescope at Harborplace, Fells Point and other spots around town to introduce pedestrians to the moon and planets.
Mr. Heyn went before the commission twice to oppose the lights and ask for a public hearing. He said he never received a direct reply. "This bureaucracy took a public-be-damned attitude. It's really bad government as far as I'm concerned," he said.
The lighting project is part of the Brighten Baltimore campaign, designed to enhance the city's skyline and visitors' sense of security.