Orchid Heights residents push for street lighting amid safety concerns and dark conditions

In a recent meeting of the City of Middleton Public Works Committee, discussions centered around the pressing need for street lighting in the Orchid Heights neighborhood, a topic raised by local residents concerned about safety. Alder Dave, who represents the area, shared that constituents have expressed worries about the darkness in their neighborhood, particularly regarding the safety of children playing outside and pedestrians walking at night.

The absence of street lights in Orchid Heights has been a long-standing issue, with residents relying on individual yard lights, many of which are no longer functional. Alder Dave noted that while residents are paying for street lighting across the city, they lack adequate illumination in their own neighborhood. He conducted a straw poll among 33 households, finding that 18 were in favor of installing street lights, while 8 opposed the idea, and 1 was indifferent.

Committee members acknowledged the historical context of the neighborhood's lighting situation, noting that previous agreements had discouraged city involvement in street lighting. The original vision for Orchid Heights was for residents to maintain their yard lights, a plan that has not been upheld as many lights have fallen into disrepair. The committee discussed the need for a formal petition from residents to gauge community support before moving forward with any plans for street lighting installation.

The conversation also touched on the potential costs associated with installing street lights, which could be significant. Estimates for similar projects in other neighborhoods suggest that the financial burden would likely be shared among residents through special assessments. However, the committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that there is substantial community backing before committing city resources to the project.

In conclusion, the Public Works Committee is seeking a clear demonstration of support from the Orchid Heights residents before proceeding with any plans for street lighting. This approach aims to balance the safety needs of the community with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that any actions taken reflect the desires of the majority of residents. The committee plans to communicate this requirement to constituents, encouraging them to organize and express their collective interest in enhancing neighborhood safety through improved lighting.