The Ak-Chin UltraStar Multi-tainment Center advertises current films and specials using a large, bright electronic sign on the side of the building facing State Route 347.
Steve Doddard, a building information manager who leaves for work at 4 a.m., said it’s positively blinding when he drives past in the dark, small hours of the morning.
“It’s incredible,” Doddard said. “It lights up the whole field that’s across the road.”
Doddard, an amateur astronomer with his own observatory, is passionate about decreasing light pollution and what he calls “light trespass.”
But he also knows since the sign is on sovereign tribal nation land, there is little he can do.
Adam Saks, UltraStar vice president of operations, said the facility got its certificate of occupancy from Pinal County and it was granted because the facility — including the sign — adhered to county construction codes.
ADOT refers to advertising signs meant to be seen by passing traffic as Electronic Variable Message Signs, or EVMS, and signs have to adhere to regulations.
Information from Maricopa Monitor
