INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time in 35 years, a new streetlight will shine on an Indianapolis neighborhood.
The new light was installed Thursday on Nowland Avenue between Oakland Ave. and Parker Ave.
Making good on a campaign promise, Mayor Joe Hogsett lifted the moratorium on new streetlights last May.
PREVIOUS | Mayor Hogsett lifts 35-year moratorium on streetlights
That moratorium was put in place by former Mayor Bill Hudnut in 1981 as a cost-saving measure.
Streetlights are thought to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.
First phase of the initiative is being funded through cost savings and a partnership with Indianapolis Power & Light.
Phase two will include a complete assessment of streetlights, also funded by IPL.
#OperationNightLight is official! An IPL crew is installing the first street light of Phase I on Nowland St! pic.twitter.com/z4U5QyDZtW
— IPL Power (@IPLPower) June 9, 2016
Let there be light! (Once the sun goes down) @IPLPower pic.twitter.com/KBJjc76Abb
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) June 9, 2016
The following factors will be considered when it comes to installing additional streetlights:
- Community Growth: A portion of the lights will go to areas that have seen neighborhood development and community expansion in the last three decades.
- Neighborhood Requests: The Mayor’s Action Center has been accepting requests for the installation of new streetlights. These requests will be combined with neighborhood requests, collected by Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocates.
- Public Safety: The Department of Public Works, in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, will look at focus areas and accident rates to determine streets with the highest public safety need.
The Mayor's Action Center will continue to accept requests for new streetlights for the next 30 days.
You can make a request by calling (317) 327-4MAC, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
IPL also asks that you help keep streetlights on by reporting broken or burned out lights. Call 317-261-8111 or click here.
