If you've ever been nervous on a dark street corner or, conversely, annoyed with a glaring street lamp when gazing at the night sky, then you can appreciate an effort now underway in Fair Haven.
This week the Fair Haven Energy Committee began evaluating the town's street lights as part of an effort to convert from high pressure sodium to LED fixtures. Town Manager Herb Durfee is looking for volunteers to help in the evaluation process, but even those who don't want to take an active role are invited to comment on individual street lamp locations. An announcement put out by the town states:
Even if you can't or don't wish to participate, you still can help. If your home or business is in an area that you believe needs a street light or is in an area where you believe an existing light should be removed, please let us know.
The announcement asks residents reporting on existing streetlights to use the specific pole number as well as location information. For those reporting an area in need of a street light the announcement states, "please keep in mind that the LED fixtures cast a cleaner, brighter light than the dimmer, yellowish high pressure sodium bulbs. Thus, additional street lighting, in most instances, probably won't be necessary."
The town will evaluation the need for specific streetlights based upon the following criteria:
- pedestrian safety
- traffic safety
- convenience
- support for economic development
- aesthetic.
Populations densities will also be taken into consideration. The town noted there is typically no lighting in rural areas; a low level of lighting in residential areas; a moderate level of lighting in multi-family and mixed areas; and the most lighting is located in commercial and high traffic areas.
The Energy Committee will be using an existing, mapped inventory of fixtures, and their process will evaluate uniformity, intersection/crosswalks, exceptions to the "rule," impediments (e.g., leaves), and opportunities to add/eliminate fixtures.
The conversion to LED bulbs is expected to begin in 2015. The energy committee says the switch will come at no expense to the town, thanks to a collaboration with Efficiency Vermont. Fair Haven expects to see significant utility cost savings once the new fixtures are installed.
