ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – There's a battle brewing in St. Clair Shores over some street lights.
The city recently removed some lights on one street, but that decision didn't sit well with one resident who says it's downright dangerous without the lights.
Resident Mike Cook is battling City Hall to get the lights back on. He was frustrated and felt he had rights as a taxpayer the City of St. Clair Shores was not recognizing.
To make matters worse, Cook said he felt in danger all because the city wanted to save a few dollars.
"It's just not right," said Cook. "We pay taxes, it's a city service."
Mike Cook is mad the street lights on Laukel Street were taken down a few months ago. He says since the city removed the lights, all he has seen is trouble.
"There's already been three break-ins since Memorial Day," said Cook.
Local 4 recently visited the street one night to see Cook's complaints firsthand.
"We are pretty insecure back here because it's so dark, people can wander this road, come in your backyards, take things and you don't even know it," said Cook.
Laukel Street is a dirt road with a couple of homes on it. If the lights were working, many of the backyards would be lit. The street serves somewhat as an alley.
"You know, there's people that have garage access to that road on this street," said Cook.
For that reason and the cost of lighting the street, the city manager told Local 4 they decided the lights were not needed.
Cook started making calls, contacting city officials demanding a change.
"We just want our lights. As you see, it's dark. Kids can't walk, people can't take a nice stroll, walk their dog back here, or anything. You're just too afraid," said Cook.
Local 4 has also contacted the city and spoke with the city manager, who says the lights will now be replaced on Laukel Street.
"We're still waiting for the city to put the lights back up like they promised us," said Cook.
DTE tells Local 4's Karen Drew a work order was placed a week ago to install four street lights. Those lights should be put in the next month.