PETA Responds to Acquisition of Penfield Reef Light
By Sue Clark on Jul 24, 2007 in Opinion 
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Lighthouse-News spoke with Matt Prescott, PETA representative, today regarding PETA’s letter of interest in Penfield Reef Lighthouse. It was confirmed by him, that the lighthouse has definitely been applied for, just under the wire for the deadline. According to Prescott, the decision to apply for a lighthouse was a spur of the moment thing, based on the fact that it would be perfect to spread the word on their fish empathy project. Why a lighthouse? “It would be perfect, with a lighthouse’s history of saving lives, to use it in honor of the billions of fish that have been harmed by man.”
Even if this particular lighthouse doesn’t go to PETA, Prescott indicated that the organization is also looking at others that are available to non-profits. Any renovations done to the lighthouse (this or others) will be historically appropriate, but will emphasize the display honoring fish. Funding will be provided out of their general funds, nothing is set aside specifically. He stated the project has no specific monies set aside, and will be using their general funds, which are funded by donations. He felt they had enough volunteer labor to do the work needed.
One concern I brought up was the plan to use part of the lighthouse as a cafe serving vegetables and faux fish sticks. This is contrary to the acceptable usage as stated in the National Historic Preservation Act, i.e., no commercial activities allowed. Prescott stated that since they are a non-profit organization, the monies they make wouldn’t go to a profitable corporation, so should be acceptable. He said the organization would try to work something out with the government, and if not, maybe they’d just give away the food.
One other planned usage of the lighthouse is to serve as a base for PETA’s new website, fishinghurts.com, hopefully with the server and entire setup out at the light, but if not feasible, at least do the editing and maintenance of the site at the location.
According to Kenneth Flatto, First Selectman of Fairfield, CT, the town of Fairfield feels very strongly about preserving Penfield Reef Lighthouse, “It’s part of our heritage and we have been working closely with our local non-profits to work out plans. This is an offshore lighthouse, and if we are selected, we will be reaching out to all non-profit organizations to see what’s feasible.”
Flatto further stated he hadn’t seen the letter sent in by PETA, and couldn’t comment on it, but stated that as he understands it, this isn’t a short list, and that Fairfield will be putting in a very strong application for ownership when the time is right, further down the road. The process to “own” an excessed lighthouse normally takes from six months to a year, or more. He stated he feels the town has a very good case for ownership.
What do you think about PETA’s sudden decision to use our historic beacons as a site for their agenda? Leave your comments below.
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