Street lights may dim in Richmond Heights due to budget concerns

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio - In an effort to trim the city's budget, Richmond Heights is considering turning off some of its street lights.

"Currently the city pays about $118,000 every year for street lighting. They need to reduce that," said Chief Gene Rowe with the Richmond Heights Police Department.

Rowe helped identify locations within the city where lighting could be eliminated. Safety could not be compromised.

"There's 122 street lights from our border at Lyndhurst to our border in Euclid," said Rowe.

The streets that may have some of their lights turned off include Richmond Road, Highland Road, Chardon Road, Monticello Boulevard and Wilson Mills Road.

This is only phase one of the proposed lighting changes. There may be a second phase affecting additional streets such as Trebisky Road.

Residents are still concerned that safety issues may come up.

"There's crime issues. You'll give guys the opportunity to rob somebody," said Robert Therman, a Richmond Heights resident.

"What about children's safety and driving? I would have some concerns," said Richmond Heights resident Adrienne Martin.

Many of the street lights in Richmond Heights are mounted on every pole. Many other communities have street lights on every other pole. Those extra lights may go dark.

Street lights in residential areas will not be affected. Bus stops and parks will also remain fully lit.

There will be a public hearing at Richmond Heights City Council chambers on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Residents can address their concerns regarding the proposed street lighting changes at that time.