Finance Committee: City To Get New Street Lights

The city has been testing a new street light that will direct more light on the sidewalks. One of the new test lights (right) was set up in front of Fort Mackinac next to a current light.

New street lights were the only agenda item for the Finance Committee at a meeting Tuesday, July 12. The city has been testing a potential new light downtown and decided it offers lighting improvements the community needs. Initially, the city would replace the light bulbs, globes, and some parts. Replacing light poles would be put into another year’s budget. Two new lights have been installed, one near Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub and one at the old horse trough in front of Marquette Park.

The committee started looking at new lighting when the city learned that some parts no longer are available for the Island’s 100 street lights. Also, street lights now project rays upward. The new lights would reflect down to the ground where the light actually is needed. In addition, the new bulbs would use less power but still put out more light.

Dan Wightman, an alderman who also works for Edison Sault Electric Company, estimated the entire replacement project would cost about $15,000. The committee asked him to come back with a proposal that would fit the city budget of $10,000, while maintaining an aesthetic balance until all lights can be replaced.

The next Finance Committee meeting has not been set.