INDIANAPOLIS — Streetlights are something people may take for granted in some areas of town, but for thousands of others, not having them leaves residents worrying about crime and safety.
Jennie Huber, 57, has been campaigning for streetlights in her area in the 3000 block of 5th Avenue.
"It's way too dark," Huber said. "I won't go out without my piece in the back of my pants. I'm just being honest sir."
Neighbors here want a street light. They aren't particular about the exact placement, but they want illumination."
Earlier this month the city began the process of installing about 4,000 new streetlights in the city. That move encouraged City-County Councilor Jared Evans to post a note on Facebook, indicating there will be 36 new streetlights in his district. Huber's street is in his district. Rhoda Bucci lives on that street.
"People stealing bicycles, breaking into cars, can't see them," Bucci said. "People breaking houses, into garages. Cops can't never find them because it's too dark."
On his Facebook page, Evans told his constituents to be on the lookout for crews installing lights in the upcoming weeks.
"We'll wait our turn," Huber said. "We'll wait. We'll give them time. They said 8 to 10 weeks."
But how does the city decide who gets lights?
"We look at the amount of light that already exists," Indianapolis Deputy Mayor of Community Development Jeff Bennett said. "We look at the pedestrian and public safety concerns. We look at the community input as a part of the decision making process of where the new lights can go."
Between retrofitting 27,000 old streetlights with LED technology and installing the 4,000 new lights, it will take about three years to complete the project. Because of the efficiency of the new lights, this will all be done without any cost to taxpayers.
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