It is my belief that the lighting on the blocks should be changed to the turn-of-the-century pole style lights that are in center city and on 40th Street. The lighting on most blocks work so poorly because it puts most of the light on the "street" where the cars are. If you drive in the rural areas you know that you don't need a tremendous amount of light on the "street", the cars provide enough. You do however need it on the "sidewalks".
Mix-use helps with the perception of safety due to the amount of light that is projected from businesses to the sidewalks. The city overhang style lights provide little support to the sidewalks. The second layer of lights from porches leaves the sidewalks with the least amount of "direct" lighting mostly because of the setbacks.. The Uc-Brite program has been great for so many blocks, however, that cost of the lighting is passed on to consumers. Why can't we upgrade to the "historic" looking lights that actually put "soft" light on the sidewalks that our taxes can pay for? Blocks could contribute money if necessary or pursue grants. It would add to the value of our homes and community giving many dark sidewalks the additional lighting they need while increasing public safety. S. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles H. Buchholtz Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 11:39 AM To: Christy Bracken Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Rethinking Outdoor Security Lighting From: "Christy Bracken" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2004 09:41:57 -0400 I have to say, though, that personally speaking, bright lights make me feel *safer*, not less safe because of possible "glare" issues I like enougth light so that I can see clearly, and to eliminate shadows that people can skulk in. However, I found the latest round of UC-Brite pole lamps to be far too bright and white. I replaced the 22 watt 5000 kelvin unit with a 15 watt 2400 Kelvin unit. There's still enough light to see easily, but I don't wince if I look directly at the lamp. By the way, 5000 Kelvin is "daylight", a clear white light with a little blue in it. 2400 Kelvin is more like a candle flame color. (The specs are from memory and are probably a little off.) When I walk down a block where every house has the "standard" pole lamp, I feel a little like I'm walking in a prison exercise yard. There's room between "no light" and "too much light". It doesn't take much light to allow you to see at night if your eyes haven't been blinded by bright lights. The moon, or a 40 watt incandescent, or a 12 watt flourescent should do it. --- Chip ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>. ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
