Effects/Effectiveness

I'm a relatively new resident to the area on D & 23rd St. I'm curious to know how much of an impact the new lighting made in terms of "in home distraction". I think the lights are a great crime deterrent, but worry that if we get them all over midtown there will be a lack of privacy and view of the night sky.
Maybe someone in the test area could share their feelings on these issues.

By Marty McCune

effects/effectiveness

Again, welcome, Marty. And thank you for trying to get a neighborhood discussion using the web site on this issue.

As much as I love to look at the stars on a beautiful clear night that does not have to compete with the lights of the city, I also want to know that my neighbors can feel comfortable in our neighborhood at nignt. That comfort level is increased when there are fewer dark areas for predatory type individuals to hide and plan mischief. One of the down sides to the rich diversity that many of us enjoy about midtown is a (too)large number of opportunistic individuals who take advantage of the very darkness that also allows us to enjoy the night sky.
I am basically a country kind of guy. When I'm up in the hills, I love to sit the dark and enjoy the night sky, and listen to the rich night sounds country living affords. Unfortunately, I have to reserve that pleasure for areas where there are few two legged night rangers. On the other hand, a well maintained and lit urban neighborhood evening is quite inviting for healthy socializing with neighbors and friends.

By Gene Taylor

Thanks for the Replies !

Hi Marty and Joe
Nice to see some discussion here about Street Lighting. I was on the NAG Street Lighting subcommittee (3 years) which brought the (13 city block) Lighting Pilot Program to Midtown. I do also live on "I" Street, by the lighting (and no...the "I" st. lighting is not a result of me serving on the subcommittee) Joe is right...the lighting was placed in the densist area (to benefit the most people) with landlords less likely to support any costs. During the previous 2 year lighting effort, it was supprising to see the folks who thought $11 a month (for 10 years) or a (onetime $1080 payment) was too costly...to get 8 Historical Street Lights (corner to corner) in a 52 block area. The Pilot Program lights cost triple that. Anyway, the new lights have taken some getting used to, but almost everybody loves them. Nighttime crime is WAY down, more people walking in the evening, and the neighborhood actually look GOOD at night. I do agree with Gene, the benefits to the neighborhoods far outwieght the costs and the Star Filled Sky is seen just a short bike ride away...from the American River Nature Preserve.

By Paul

On my own here

Well, what's a good discussion without someone with whom to disagree? :)

Personally, I greatly dislike the new lamps. I find them glaringly bright during my evening walks and cannot imagine living next to one.

As a resident who spends most evenings out on my front porch, I would strongly fight against these being placed in my neighborhood (24th & E). As Davis tries to institute a dark skies program, I find it a bit disheartening that we are headed the other direction.