The idea on solving this problem is that there needs to be better management to start things off with a plan, more workers to hire to do more of this project, build new and improved lights that’s going to have great quality so neighborhoods can be safer.
- Scout out the location – City regulations say any new light has to be 75 feet away from an existing streetlight. Make sure that’s the case before you bother spending more time on this.
- Gather support of your neighbors – Most street lights require a successful petition. At the very least, you’ll need your next-door neighbor’s support. Most lights get installed on the property line between your land and your neighbor’s.. Larger neighborhood plans need signatures from 25 percent of the residents, including at least one on each street getting a light.
- Call 311 – This is the city’s go-to number for all of its services. They’ll route you to the New York Department of Transportation and its dedicated streetlight coordinator. They’ll go over how many petition signatures you’ll need and start the process of verifying whether you qualify for a new streetlight.(Side note: If you just need a streetlight repaired, you can use this online form.
- Save your money – Currently street lights cost between $600 and $1,200 per light. If you’re in a neighborhood, the good thing is that the HOA (Homeowner Association) might absorb the cost.
- Pick out a type of streetlight you want – If you already have street lights nearby, you’ll have to go with the style that’s already there and pick the light that is most efficient and saves money.
- Sign a petition – with this idea we can have everyone in the community sign and then once we have a certain amount of signatures we can send this petition to the New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) letting them know that we need new lights in the neighborhood. With this notice they would have no choice but to comply.
