Bishop O'Connell high school is proposing to light its athletic fields as part of a larger renovation. (Photo: Jay Westcott)

Officials from Bishop Denis J. O'Connell high school are now asking for a delay on the Arlington County Board's vote on their proposal to install lights on their athletic fields, school president Katy Prebble tells TBD.

The board was scheduled to vote on a special use permit for the new lights at the school at the Jan. 22 board meeting. "We've decided to defer until February," Prebble says.

The school received a report this week from county staff that includes proposed conditions for the lights permit, and Bishop O'Connell would like some additional time to work through those, Prebble says.

The lights are part of a larger renovation O'Connell is hoping to accomplish by the fall, including installation of track and field facilities, an artificial turf football/soccer field, and a new baseball field. County board approval is only necessary for the lights portion of the plan, but neighbors closest to the school haven't necessarily been enamored with the prospect of illuminating the fields.

The Arlington East Falls Church Civic Association will discuss the school's plans Thursday.