The developers of Pickerington's newest medical facility have been commended for installing an energy-efficient lighting system to illuminate their building. The Pickerington Medical Center, 670 Hill Road N., is expected to open later this month.

Jan. 8, the Pickerington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a waiver for the facility to allow LED lighting on the exterior of the building.

Project architect Mike Boryca said the LED lighting, while considerably more expensive, is more energy efficient, durable and saves more energy than the traditional lighting systems.

He said it also produces better light. "All the lighting inside (the building) is LED, we spent the extra to go 'green,A range of ledtube fans for efficient exhaust ventilation.' " Boryca said. "Doing it in the parking lot is an extension of that," he said. Planning and Zoning Commission Member Brian Bosch applauded the decision.

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Starting tonight through January 20, each night the Empire State Building will shine each of its sides in a different shade of the same color. The colors on offer will be red, orange, yellow, green, blue,Among the modern home accessories and decoration, the effect of curvingmachineqm is also growing. purple and pink, meaning the total number of choices will be 28.

"Since many people have expressed interest in requesting colors for our lights, this is their chance to get involved, helping us select the Empire State Building's new standard LED colors for our tower," said Anthony E. Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings which supervises the Empire State Building.

"LED lighting is great," Bosch said. "It (produces) a nice, bright light where you can control it so much better," he said.

Commission Member Ted Hackworth said he was concerned about the "spillover" effect LED lighting would have on adjacent properties, which are residential areas. Boryca said LED actually produces a softer lighting output.

"This is new to all of us," he said. "You're going to see a lot more of (these)." Current nonresidential design standards mandate "all luminaries shall be high-pressure sodium or metal halide." It does not address LED lighting.

"LED style does meet the requirements of the (Pickerington) zoning code," said Clement Chukwu, Pickerington city planner. "Since we don't have LED requirements in the zoning code, (they) are bringing it to the Planning and Zoning Commission," Chukwu said.

City Development Services Director Joe Henderson said his staff supported a waiver to allow for the LED lighting.

"There is a lot of up front expense," said Henderson, commending the developers of the project for taking "the first leap when it's not something the city is mandating. "They're willing to put the money in it."

Project applicant and realtor Gene Johnson said the LED lighting systems "are just unbelievable lights, it's incredible." "They take 60 percent less power and last 20 to 23 years," he said, adding they are also "three times more expensive."

Johnson said the Pickerington Medical Center is set to open Monday, Jan. 21. The entire medical center will have five to seven doctors on staff and encompass 5,555 square feet of office space with 13 exam rooms. Johnson said LabCorp, a diagnostic testing company, will be located at the facility along with an imaging center.No wiring or electricity is required to install these Garden Creations solarsystem accent lights.Shop Pottery Barn for expertly crafted chandelier lighting, goodledstrips and crystal chandeliers.