Members of the Middleton Landmarks Commission discussed a request to add period-accurate gas street lamps to parts of town and expressed strong reservations about feasibility, cost and alignment with city sustainability goals. The committee recommended tabling the idea and suggested the petitioner pursue it first with the Public Works Committee or the Planning Commission.

Committee members said true gas-operated period lamps would require fuel and ongoing operation and maintenance and would likely conflict with Middleton’s sustainability objectives in the comprehensive plan. Several members said public-works staff would be unlikely to support the change because it would require ongoing budget and staff time that could otherwise go to road resurfacing, pedestrian safety or other infrastructure priorities.

Members also noted the city lacks clearly designated historic districts where a gas-lamp installation would make sense. The commission agreed it could review the idea later if Public Works or Planning develops a concrete, budgeted proposal; the transcript records discussion and a decision to table but no formal vote.