DETROIT – Detroit’s push to add mid-block streetlights is now underway in the Regent Park neighborhood, where Mayor Mary Sheffield unveiled the first of more than 3,000 new fixtures planned citywide.
“I’ve heard many neighbors ask for something that many of us take for granted, and that is a block that feels safe, welcoming, and well lit,” Sheffield said at a press conference on Rossini Drive.
Sheffield announced the plan, called the “Brighten Up the Block” initiative, back in March.
City leaders say the new lights are meant to fill in dark gaps between corner streetlights, after Detroit’s major streetlight overhaul beginning in 2014 installed about 65,000 LED lights but left some mid-block areas without lighting.
Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison said the added lighting will make a difference for first responders.
“It’s going to be a safer environment for our residents, but it’s a safer environment for our first responders,” Bettison said.
Residents said the lighting will be noticeable, especially at night.
“It gets scary dark. Especially around the school, so at night I like to stay in the house, especially with the kids,” Regent Park resident Marquetta Shah said. “They like to come outside; nope, it’s too dark.”
Shah said the new light put up near her home Wednesday evening should help people feel more secure.
“It’ll make it safer; it’ll make people want to come out,” she said.
Another resident, Cynthia Loggins, who advocated for more streetlights to be brought to her street, said the brighter block already feels different.
“When I come home, it’s well lit, it makes me feel a lot safer, and it’s just wonderful,” she said.
City officials said the final plan was shaped through 14 community input meetings across all seven Detroit City Council districts and recently cleared by City Council. Funding includes a $1 million allocation from the Sheffield administration, with the Public Lighting Authority covering installation, power and maintenance of the new fixtures.