The Boynton Beach City Commission unanimously directed staff to proceed with a citywide feasibility study for street‑lighting improvements after an engineering presentation Tuesday outlined the scope and cost drivers for the city’s lighting network.

William White, division director of engineering, told the commission the city pays for roughly 5,746 public lighting fixtures and spent more than $934,000 on electricity last year. A recent public‑works spot check across nine corridors identified at least 97 malfunctioning lights, White said, and staff continues to audit additional roadways this week.

“Those are major corridors — Federal, Seacrest, Old Boynton, Gateway — and most had at least one malfunctioning light,” White said. He outlined a three‑phase approach: near‑term upgrades focused on downtown corridors and FDOT coordination, a second phase to study neighborhood lighting with public outreach, and a later phase exploring smart and accent lighting.

Commissioner Turkin said better lighting is both an aesthetic and safety priority as the downtown and adjacent neighborhoods add development. “As these projects come out of the ground, we should also focus on structural things that deter crime,” Turkin said.

White said staff has identified potential grant sources — including Safe Streets for All and Community Development Block Grants — but there is no dedicated municipal funding stream for standalone lighting projects. He noted recent coordination with FDOT on luminaire additions on Boynton Beach Boulevard and cited an upcoming city project to add about 50 lights on West Ocean Avenue.

Several commissioners asked staff to evaluate county and state responsibilities for lighting on higher‑classification roads, and to include both major corridors and residential areas in the feasibility scope. The commission’s direction asks staff to return with a defined scope, consultant cost estimates, and funding options.

Next steps: staff will continue the public‑works audit, request consultant quotes for a feasibility/master plan, and report back with a scope and estimated budget for commission review.