Gary Rolls Out $3.45 Million ‘Relight the City’ Program to Improve Public Safety with New Streetlights

Gary Rolls Out $3.45 Million ‘Relight the City’ Program to Improve Public Safety with New Streetlights

The city of Gary, Indiana, has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The $3.45 million “Relight the City” program will fund the replacement and upgrading of streetlights across key areas of the city. With a focus on improving nighttime visibility and reducing crime, this initiative is set to revitalize neighborhoods and provide a safer environment for both residents and visitors.

A Strong Investment in Safety

The “Relight the City” program is part of a broader effort to revamp public infrastructure in Gary, where aging streetlight systems have long been a concern. Many of the city’s current streetlights are outdated and inefficient, leading to areas of darkness that can foster crime and accidents. By replacing old fixtures with more energy-efficient LED lights, the city hopes to not only brighten public spaces but also reduce energy costs in the long term.

Gary Mayor Jerome Prince emphasized that public safety is the central goal of the project. “Lighting is critical to making our communities safer,” Mayor Prince said in a statement. “By illuminating our streets, we are sending a clear message that our neighborhoods matter and that we are committed to creating a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.”

Key Features of the Program

The “Relight the City” program will focus on several key elements to improve street lighting across the city:

  • LED Upgrades: The new streetlights will feature modern LED technology, known for its energy efficiency and brighter light output. These lights will be installed in neighborhoods with the greatest need for improved lighting, such as high-traffic areas and neighborhoods that have experienced higher levels of crime.
  • Increased Coverage: The program will extend lighting to areas that have historically been poorly lit, particularly residential streets and public parks. Ensuring that all parts of the city are well-lit will reduce “dark spots” that can serve as hiding places for criminal activity.
  • Improved Public Safety: Studies have shown that improved street lighting is directly linked to lower crime rates, particularly in urban areas. Better lighting increases visibility and reduces the fear of crime, encouraging residents to feel safer and more comfortable in their communities, especially after dark.
  • Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: By replacing outdated lights with LEDs, the city expects to save on energy costs while also reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint. LED lights are known to use less energy and last longer than traditional streetlights, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option for the city.

Community Impact

Gary Rolls Out $3.45 Million ‘Relight the City’ Program to Improve Public Safety with New Streetlights

The new lighting initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the daily lives of Gary’s residents. In addition to the enhanced safety benefits, the upgraded streetlights will contribute to the city’s overall revitalization efforts. Improved street lighting helps enhance the appearance of neighborhoods, making them more inviting and appealing for both residents and potential investors.

Local business owners are also looking forward to the program’s impact. “This is going to make a huge difference for us,” said Sheila Williams, owner of a small shop in Gary. “Better lighting means safer streets, and that means more people will be out and about, shopping, dining, and enjoying the community.”

Flu and Norovirus Spike in NYC: Public Health Officials Say True Numbers Could Be Much Higher

Neighborhood leaders are also expressing support for the project, with many saying the upgraded streetlights will contribute to a stronger sense of community pride. “This project is not just about lights; it’s about giving people a sense of security and ownership over their neighborhoods,” said Lenny Johnson, a community organizer in Gary. “When the streets are well-lit, people are more likely to engage with their neighbors, and that builds stronger, safer communities.”

Timetable for Implementation

The city has already begun the process of replacing the outdated streetlights, with crews working to install new poles and fixtures in targeted areas. While the full program will take several months to complete, city officials are hopeful that residents will begin seeing improvements within weeks.

Gary’s public works department is coordinating the project and working with local contractors to ensure that the installation goes smoothly. The department is also encouraging residents to report areas where street lighting is insufficient or not working, so that these spots can be prioritized for upgrades.

Long-Term Goals

The “Relight the City” program is just one component of Gary’s broader revitalization plan. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the city is focused on economic development, housing, and community outreach programs aimed at improving quality of life for all residents.

By investing in street lighting, the city is laying the groundwork for additional improvements that will benefit Gary for years to come. Mayor Prince has emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning of a long-term strategy to make Gary a safer, more vibrant city.

“As we continue to move forward with our revitalization efforts, we will keep looking for ways to invest in our infrastructure, improve our neighborhoods, and build a future that all Gary residents can be proud of,” said Mayor Prince.

The “Relight the City” initiative is set to make a lasting impact on Gary, ensuring that its streets are not only safer but more inviting for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city. As the project progresses, residents can look forward to brighter, safer streets and a renewed sense of pride in their community.

With improved streetlights lighting the way forward, Gary is poised for a brighter and safer future, one where residents can thrive, businesses can grow, and the city can continue to revitalize itself for generations to come.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *