The area where I live was one of the first residential areas to successfully petition for pedestrian scale lighting, which was installed about seven years ago. (thank you again Brian Herron!) In general, we've been very satisfied with the lighting, (our petition had the support of over 90% of the residents affected) and many other areas of the city have followed suit. I know there are a variety of opinions about the lighting and the cost, but what is important for this post is that the city is considering a "Lighting Policy" which will affect those who don't yet have pedestrian scale lighting in their area. Here is the link:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2002-meetings/20021025/docs/20_Street-Light-Policy.pdf Basically, Public Works is asking the council to consider the lighting question be posed every time there is a street renovation (possibly by petition or possibly simply included in the process without petitions). Lighting as part of a street renovation is the only way to get lighting under one version, another version combines this with the caveat that areas could still petition for lighting if there is no major street renovation within 5 years. My thoughts: I like the idea of including lighting with street renovation projects - it's much cheaper and the approval processes are already utilized for the larger process; it ensures that areas where folks are less aware of options won't be left out of the lighting processes. I don't know if it should be mandatory though, as it involves added cost and people value it differently. If lighting is included for street renovation projects, I don't think it should be limited to that. Some streets won't be renovated for another 30 years, that's too long to wait. An approach that combines the street renovation with a petition option seems reasonable. Issue: When we did our project, the per/unit cost went down the larger the area was. How will this economy of scale issue be affected? Let your councilmember know your opinion - David Piehl Central __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
