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Committee discusses pedestrian sidewalk lighting problems caused by growing street trees; no action taken
Summary
Members discussed that mature street trees are increasingly blocking sidewalk light levels below the city’s 0.5 foot-candle standard. Staff and the Shade Tree Commission historically balanced tree planting and sidewalk illumination; the committee asked staff to study options but took no immediate action.
Delaware City staff and committee members discussed recurring complaints that street trees increasingly block sidewalk lighting, leaving mid-block sidewalks darker than current standards recommend.
Public Works staff said the city adopted a low-light standard in the early 1990s to limit sky glow (citing a 0.5 foot-candle minimum for safe sidewalk visibility drawn from the Illuminating Engineering Society guidance). Over time, planted street trees have matured and frequently reduce sidewalk light levels below that minimum except at intersections. Staff noted the city is designated a Tree City USA and that past proposals to relocate trees outside the tree lawn were opposed by the Shade Tree Commission.
Committee members and safety staff raised trade-offs: brighter lights could increase light pollution and residents’ complaints, while removing trees or relocating them reduces canopy benefits and can damage sidewalks. Members asked staff to bring options for future committee consideration, including targeted intersection lighting, revised planting placement for new trees, and possible code updates; no legislative or immediate implementation decisions were made.
Ending: Staff will research possible approaches and consult the Shade Tree Commission and the Illuminating Engineering Society guidance; the committee did not adopt a change at this meeting.
