Springfield has 3 test sites for new lighting in the downtown, North End and Forest Park, and city officials are seeking public feedback.
SPRINGFIELD — City officials and the Western Massachusetts Electric Co. are pursuing plans to improve lighting in some areas of the city including the downtown district, but will be asking for public feedback first regarding a few trial sites.
The lighting initiatives are aimed at enhancing public safety, promoting nighttime activity and having a more unified lighting program for cost savings, officials said.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno praised the initiative, saying the city and WMECo are teaming up for “increased security, reliability and financial savings.”
Rather than just light up the roadway, the new lights under consideration in the central business district enhance the lighting of the sidewalk, said Kevin E. Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer.
“Lighting up where the people are creates a secure sense of where they are,” Kennedy said. “We need to send the message to everyone that downtown is well lit and safe.”
The new lighting has been installed on a trial basis on a section of Main Street downtown between Worthington Street and Taylor Street.
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce has volunteered to collect public comments regarding that program. Those wishing to comment can go to www.myonlinechamber.com, and click the link to submit feedback electronically. Comments can also be submitted by phone by calling (413) 755-1310.
The Chamber's link should be ready for comment by Friday afternoon.
A second test location for a new model light is in front of Medina’s Supermarket, 2705 Main St., in the North End, that is aimed at providing increased illumination along the Main Street corridor as well as increased energy efficiency.
The New North Citizens Council has volunteered to collect feedback from any residents and business people. The council can be reached at (413) 747-0090.
A third site with a new style of light is at the entrance to Forest Park on Sumner Avenue. Public feedback is welcomed by contacting the Chamber of Commerce special website or by calling the chamber.
Clik here to view.
A worker from the Western Massachusetts Electric Co., attaches a new, high illumination lamp to one of the two new overhead street lights at the entrance to Forest Park off Sumner Avenue.
“In meetings with WMECo, it became very clear that it makes a great deal of sense to assess the city’s lighting policy on a citywide basis,” Kennedy said. “We have a situation where there are far too many different types of light which leads to inventory problems, replacement of damaged lights and generally a scattered policy when it comes to illumination issues.”
The city is exploring the extent of lighting it has, and how that lighting can be improved in certain areas, Kennedy said.
It is not a matter of increasing the number of lights, but “streamlining the policy, streamlining the inventory and economic efficiencies,” Kennedy said.
The city is also working on a related security plan, for the central business district in Springfield, and expects to announce the specifics in approximately a month, Kennedy said.
“Generally, we want a well-lit area so that when people get out of work they are going to see a police officer, when they go to a Falcon’s game or Armor game, or an event at Symphony Hall, they are going to see a police officer on their way in and on their way out,” Kennedy said.
Jeffrey S. Cuiffreda, executive director of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, said the lighting initiative ties into overall efforts to enhance the downtown district, and expands it to other areas as well.
Springfield Business Improvement District Executive Director Donald A. Courtemanch said the business organization is working with the city on improved street lighting efforts and improved lighting on some key buildings within the downtown.
“Enhanced lighting contributes to the public safety factor,” Courtemanch said.
This story was updated at 5 p.m. with more details