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Commission approves $99,900 streetlight improvement program to brighten neighborhoods and address crime hot spots
Summary
The commission approved a phased streetlight upgrade plan budgeted at approximately $99,900 for the year to increase lumens on dimmable fixtures, add lights at roughly 182 locations, and install poles and fixtures at about 140 locations after a police‑led survey identified ~460 priority spots correlated with some property‑crime hot spots.
The Pittsburg City Commission approved staff’s recommendation on Nov. 12 to begin a phased streetlight improvement program Budgeted at about $99,900, the plan calls for three elements: (1) increase lumens on existing dimmable fixtures where appropriate, (2) add lighting at roughly 182 locations where poles exist nearby, and (3) install a pole and fixture in approximately 140 locations where no pole currently exists.
City police personnel led a two‑month, citywide survey of lighting needs and identified roughly 460 locations for potential action; staff said about 90 of those needed tree trimming to restore light to the street. Police data and the lighting survey showed correlations between some low‑lighting areas and property‑crime hot spots, which staff cited as a public‑safety rationale for the project.
Staff said many adjustments (for example switching existing two‑level fixtures from low to high) require physical work and coordination with the utility partner Evergy and that installing new poles will be a multi‑year rollout. Commissioners asked about funding sources; staff said the $99,900 is in the current budget (general fund), and commissioners discussed whether portions should be shifted to public‑safety sales tax in future budgets. The commission moved to approve the request and the motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with Evergy to schedule adjustments and installations, proceed in phases, and return with further budget recommendations for future years.
Provenance: Staff presentation, maps and Q&A during Nov. 12 meeting.
