I saw this article regarding street light removal in Ford City, PA:

The Ford City Borough Municipal Sewage Disposal Authority received an unwelcomed present on Christmas Eve.

According to James Smerick, Superintendent of Sewage Authority, Allegheny Power crews removed street lights that illuminate the area around the Authority’s property on the morning of December 24. Smerick said he was told by Allegheny Power representative that Ford City Borough requested the removal.

Authority Treasurer Brenda Vargo immediately responded with an email to council members.

“Due to the sensitive nature of our business, we have notified the Ford City Police Department of your actions to have the light removed and requested that the police department step up their patrol of our area in order to help with any security measures that may be jeopardized due to your actions until we are able to have this light reinstalled.”

The street light was reinstalled the following week and was paid for by the Sewage Authority.


Attorney Chuck Pascal questions removal of a street light during last night’s Ford City Sewage Authority meeting.
Solicitor Chuck Pascal in an email to Ford City Borough Solicitor Frank Wolfe referred to the removal of the street light as a “small, petty, and otherwise inane vendettas.”

“Given that the Authority has legitimate security issues, governed by law, and that this was done without notice to or discussion with the authority, this seems to be just the latest example in a string of irresponsible actions taken by (less than a majority of) council members in pursuit of their quirky, silly, unexplainable personal or political agendas,” Pascal said.

Engineer  David Nichols, which serves as consulting engineer to both the Sewage Authority and Borough Council, attempted to explain the situation.

“The lighting grid was determined last summer,” Nichols said, referencing a master plan between council and Allegheny Power to update and change lighting in the borough.

Smerick agreed with Nichols. “There were a number of lights that were removed that morning. We were not the only ones. The positive thing was we now have installed a new mercury vapor energy-efficient light.”

According to Nichols, the federal agency of Homeland Security dictates specific levels of security for municipal-operated plants that include a lighted facility and alarm systems.

Interesting that they put back in a "new energy efficient mercury vapor fixture."

Actually the guy must be talking about those orange lights the power company installed, most people don't know the difference between mercury vapor (which is blue) and HPS (which is orange). I don't know who in their right minds would have streetlights removed in areas like that which do require lighting. It's not only thoughtless, it's dangerous to drivers and pedestrians because you can't always rely on your headlights alone. As much as I dislike HPS lights, it's better than no streetlight at all.   

Actually the guy must be talking about those orange lights the power company installed, most people don't know the difference between mercury vapor (which is blue) and HPS (which is orange). I don't know who in their right minds would have streetlights removed in areas like that which do require lighting. It's not only thoughtless, it's dangerous to drivers and pedestrians because you can't always rely on your headlights alone. As much as I dislike HPS lights, it's better than no streetlight at all.   

Not only a security risk, but municipal plants and other city utilities need good lighting at night in case of nighttime emergencies and repairs. I live near Detroit and I hear first-hand how stupid and petty council members can be.

This all seems very weird

That's how some people are unfortunately, I do think it's ridiculous that they had several streetlights removed along Route 66 which is one of the busiest roads there.

That's how some people are unfortunately, I do think it's ridiculous that they had several streetlights removed along Route 66 which is one of the busiest roads there.

Removing SOME lights from a highway? It think removing all would be way safer - altering dark and lighted area is the worse you might do on the road - the eye is or glared or blind, as it cannot adapt so fast...

Quote from: chapman84 on August 27, 2010, 07:50:37 PM

That's how some people are unfortunately, I do think it's ridiculous that they had several streetlights removed along Route 66 which is one of the busiest roads there.

Removing SOME lights from a highway? It think removing all would be way safer - altering dark and lighted area is the worse you might do on the road - the eye is or glared or blind, as it cannot adapt so fast...

Well Allegheny Power should add 70 watt high pressure sodium to their tariff that way the town could keep the road safe and save money at the same time, 70 watt HPS lights also use less electricity than 100 watt HPS and the light would be less glary.

Although they're all part of the "public agency" or canadians might call 'em "crown corporations", but the budgeting is usually done independently and there's plenty of inter-agency disputes over $$$. 

As to what Nichols said, the Lighted Facility is the responsibility of the facility.  The city provided street lighting is not supposed to be responsible for anything on their premises.