Residents of Hideout voiced concerns about inadequate street lighting during a recent town council meeting, highlighting a specific stretch of Longview Drive that lacks illumination. A resident, attending their first council meeting, reported that while there are three lampposts along the road, only one is functional. They noted that the absence of lighting has made it difficult for residents to navigate the area safely at night, especially with new homes being constructed.
The resident urged the council to investigate whether electricity is available for the lampposts and suggested that upcoming electrical work in the area could provide an opportunity to restore lighting. They expressed a willingness to accept alternative lantern designs if the original ones are no longer available.
Council members acknowledged the issue, confirming that the existing lampposts comply with the town's dark skies ordinance, which aims to minimize light pollution. They indicated that restoring power to the lampposts is feasible and will be considered in future planning.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the newly installed lights on trees in the traffic circle, which some residents found disruptive at night. The council clarified that these lights are managed by the homeowners' association (HOA) and are subject to the same dark skies regulations. Residents requested that the HOA consider a timer for the lights to reduce nighttime disturbance.
The meeting underscored the community's desire for improved safety and adherence to environmental standards, as residents seek a balance between adequate lighting and preserving the natural ambiance of the area.