West St. Catherine Neighborhood Association

OLNC Supports Period Lighting

Aug 26, 2004

This is the letter sent to our councilman in support of WSCNA's lighting:

Mr. George Unseld
Sixth District Metro Councilman
Metro Hall
601 West Jefferson
Louisville, Kentucky 40202

RE: Period Lighting
Dear George:
I am writing on behalf of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council in regard to the period lighting on West Saint Catherine Street. Recent council meetings have proposed that the City could conduct a study to determine whether the period lighting that Louisville Gas & Electric installed on this street could suffice for the street lighting the City is required to provide. Certainly, at the time of installation, the period lights were intended to meet or exceed existing ordinances for city lighting.
Period lighting serves many purposes. Admittedly, the period lighting is more appropriate in the historic district, as the lighting here at the time when our homes were constructed was very similar to what West Saint Catherine Street has now; however, aesthetics is not our only concern. As residents, neighbors, and many visitors to our area will attest, period lighting offers a much increased and appreciated perception of security and safety. The marked increase in crime when these lights are out leads one to a logical conclusion: West Saint Catherine Street is actually safer with the period lighting illuminating its doorsteps, as opposed to the overhead cobra lighting that shines, ineffectively and uncomfortably, into the second floor bedroom windows.
Recognizing that one of the major goals of merger was the reduction in duplication of services, the decision to conduct such a study of the two current forms of lighting on West Saint Catherine Street seems a simple extension of economic practicality. If, indeed, the period lighting in place provides the residents with a safer environment than the overhead cobra lights, then the City should only be paying for period lighting in an historic district, reserving its cobra style lighting, with its contemporary design, for the more contemporary architecture and planning of suburban surroundings.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours truly,


John Sistarenik Chair: OLNC
cc: Mayor Jerry Abramson,
Jim Adkins?—Public Works