Protecting Our Community's Character and Well-Being
The Bronxville Quality of Life Committee is a group of concerned residents dedicated to preserving the character and livability of our cherished community. We are opposed to the installation of permanent stadium lighting at Bronxville School fields, which would significantly impact the quality of life for residents living near the school. We believe that the proposed lighting would create unwelcome changes to our neighborhood, affecting peace, privacy, and property values.
February 26, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
You may have seen the message distributed by the Superintendent and Board of Education of the Bronxville Schools on Tuesday (see below). It stated that they have decided not to move forward with permanent field lighting. This is an outcome that we support and worked hard to produce, and we thank Dr. Kelly and the Board for reaching this decision.
We also thank all of you in the community. The message stated that "the community's desire to maintain the Village's historical integrity" was key to this decision. That means that everyone who expressed that desire by sending messages, participating in the survey, signing our petition or just speaking with friends was a part of this outcome. Your voice was essential, so thank you for speaking up.
We appreciate Dr. Kelly's leadership and her work to prevent this issue from being as divisive as it has in the past. We appreciate the concerns around field time that some in the community have raised, and we pledge to continue working with them to find a solution.
Thanks very much for your engagement and support,
The Bronxville Quality of Life Committee (@BronxvilleQLC)
February 25, 2026
Dear Bronxville Community,
We hope this message finds you and your families well. The purpose of this letter is to update the school and broader community regarding permanent field lighting as an option to address our field constraints. Since the public announcement that we were exploring this, the Study Group made up of community members, Facilities Committee members, and District leadership met twice. In early February, the Superintendent shared a document with input from the Study Group, the Board of Education, and Leadership Team. The document can be found here - Community Communication- and outlines the variables leading to our field constraints as well as possible solutions and their limitations.
The Bronxville School's limited outdoor athletic space presents a significant and complex challenge to supporting its robust athletics program. It's the obligation of the Board and Leadership to do our due diligence to help solve challenges the District faces and we take this responsibility seriously. As a result, continued research and thoughtful evaluation of potential alternatives are essential to ensuring that The Bronxville School can effectively support its student-athletes now and in the future.
In order to allow for community members to have a voice, we developed a thought exchange regarding the proposal for permanent field lighting at our school. We greatly appreciate the time and effort each of you took to provide your insights and perspectives on this important issue.
Throughout the exchange, it became clear that the community holds a wide range of views on the potential installation of permanent field lighting. Many participants expressed concerns about the impact on the Village's character, the increased noise and light pollution, and the effect on property values. There were also significant worries about the environmental impact, including potential disruptions to the flood mitigation system and the broader ecosystem.
Conversely, some community members highlighted the benefits of increased field availability, enhanced safety for student athletes, and the potential for fostering a stronger sense of community through evening events. However, the overarching sentiment was one of caution, with many emphasizing the importance of preserving the unique charm and character of Bronxville.
After careful consideration of all the feedback and weighing the potential benefits against the concerns raised, we have decided not to move forward with permanent field lighting as an option. Although there were sound arguments and strong points of view on both sides of the issue, we believe this decision aligns with the community's desire to maintain the Village's historical integrity while honoring the perspectives of all residents.
We remain committed to exploring alternative solutions that address the needs of our student athletes while respecting the concerns of our Village. The Study Group will continue to engage in this important work.
Thank you once again for your participation and for being an integral part of our community. We especially appreciate those who shared their thoughts with civility and respect. Your voices are invaluable in shaping the future of The Bronxville School.
Warm regards,
Rachel L. Kelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools