Blue lights installed on a new Chase Bank in downtown Bethesda were turned off Monday afternoon after a barrage of residents voiced their frustration with the lights on social media, calling them “excessive” and intrusive.”
The LED lights were installed last week on a new Chase Bank at the corner of Wisconsin and Chase avenues, and give off a blue aura that, after nightfall, creates a glow on surrounding buildings. The bank opened in mid-August and replaced a former Wells Fargo location.
On Facebook, residents have said the lights shine into neighboring apartments and condominiums and are a waste of energy. Many have written that the lights should be dimmed or turned off at night.
A manager of the bank directed questions on Monday to a corporate public relations office.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chase spokesman Peter Kelley wrote that the bank is “assessing how to improve the exterior lighting” in response to community complaints.
“While we have obtained appropriate planning and building permissions … we also want to ensure that our customers and surrounding residents have the best experience,” Kelley wrote.
The lights are expected to remain off while the review is completed. A timeline for the review has not been set.
Hadi Mansouri, acting director of the county’s Department of Permitting Services, said county officials would conduct their own review, as well.
He said the lighting project received approval from the county, but county officials are aware of Bethesda residents’ concerns and are “looking into it.”
“If the light becomes a nuisance, we would make sure they corrected it,” Mansouri said.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
