On Thursday, Sept. 24 a virtual ground breaking for the new street lights was held at the COTA lot on E. Main St and Weyant. Attended by over 20 people (all wearing masks), the upcoming start of construction was celebrated. This project was conceived through the active cooperation of the Eastmoor Civic Association and the former Mideast Area Community Collaborative (MACC) which has now been succeeded by the Mideast Area Commission (MAC). After the East Main St. Special Improvement District (SID) came into being, the SID and the MAC continued to work with the City to make this project a reality.
Here are some facts about the project:
· Total cost $1,073,712.20.
· Fifty decorative tear drop fixtures with LED lights on 30 foot black poles running from Gould Rd. to the Whitehall border.
· Wires will be buried.
· Construction will take about a year with completion expected in late 2021.
· There will be a 45% reduction in power usage.
We very much appreciate the work of Ms. Lynne LaCour, Manager of the East Side Pride Center and Susan DeLay for their hard work in organizing this event. Susan DeLay has worked for many years on this project and has been instrumental in bringing it to this point.
In conclusion, these new street lights will have a dramatic effect on the appearance of Main St., making it more attractive and safer for investment, for businesses, for shopping, and for walking.