New energy-efficient streetlights will soon line Bellflower Boulevard and Palo Verde Avenue near Cal State Long Beach after a long awaited decision by the Long Beach City Council to help fund the project.
The estimated $300,000 project cost will be divided among the city, Los Angles County and the university. Construction will take place from late August into the end of October, according to Long Beach City Construction Services Officer Gillis Monroe.
Associated Students Inc., President Erin Swetland said that better lighting on and around the campus has been an ongoing group effort.
“The lighting on Bellflower represents a huge collaboration between ASI, campus administration, campus police, and the City of Long Beach…” said Swetland in a prepared statement. “It has been a long fight, but a fight well won for students.”
The installation of approximately 45 LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) will be the first of its kind in Long Beach. LEDs outlast the conventional high-pressure sodium lamps and are more energy-efficient, using about one-tenth of the energy.
The new streetlights will be monitored to determine the efficiency with the possibility of installing LED lighting in other areas throughout the city.
ASI Chief of Staff James B. Davis, a supporter and original architect of the streetlights, was pleased that the project will be among the first in the city to have the energy-efficient streetlights.
The approval comes after two years of ASI working to accrue support from the 3rd District City Council office. Since 2006, ASI has worked to prioritize safety on university grounds by extending the campus escorts hours and improving areas that lack sufficient lighting, according to the press release.
All plans to improve the lighting on Bellflower Boulevard and Palo Verde Avenue came to a halt when the city reneged on its promise to shoulder a one-time fee of $133,000, a third of the project’s cost, in September 2007. The money instead was going to be used for holiday events and the city’s extended day care.
The last minute decision by the City Council to fund children’s programs was understandable, according to CSULB President F. King Alexander. The city’s decision, however, immediately prompted a reaction from students and city supporters alike.
In October 2007, students rallied against the city’s choice in an ASI sponsored event, “Light Up Our Nights.” The direct action by the alliance of supporters, both on and off campus, played a role in getting approval from City Council.
“I think the students helped,” Alexander said. “It was a wonderful partnership.”
Although the University had no say in choosing the energy efficient lighting, most are supportive of using LEDs.
“Anytime we can help the city with environmental friendly issues and experiments, we will,” Alexander said.