Information on the proposed North I Streetlight LID:

Why do we have those modern streetlights on North I?

The contemporary streetlights were installed on North I early in 2007. The primary reason for the project was that the old underground wiring was no longer working and needed to be replaced. The streetlights themselves were replaced at the same time. The city’s Public Works Dept. (PW) selected the style, which taller (30 ft), primarily on one side of the street, and has two lights, one of which is turned off late at night to save energy.

Was that style approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for the historic district?
No. LPC took up the issue with PW as soon as it became aware of it. However, because of an ambiguity in the city code, PW claimed LPC approval was not required. That ambiguity is currently being corrected so that LPC will have authority to review PW projects in the North Slope Historic District in the future.

 

So, are we stuck with the modern streetlights on North I?
No. PW made a mistake when they installed the contemporary streetlights. In 1984, City Council passed a resolution that required PW to offer residential streets with contemporary streetlights (often called “cobra” style) the option of creating an LID (Local Improvement District) to pay the added cost of switching back to an earlier traditional streetlight -- the 15 ft. single acorn-top streetlight you see along North J. The LID was necessary because the city had installed in the new cobra streetlights at no charge to property owners in the early 1980s. Because PW erred in not giving North I property owners that option before they installed the current streetlights, PW has offered to do so now, which is why we are talking about this.

Does that mean we could get the traditional acorn-top lights?
Unlikely. North I, unlike other streets in the North Slope, is an arterial, and arterials need to meet higher lighting standards than residential streets. Replacing the current streetlights on North I with the 15 ft. single acorn-top would require having streetlights on both sides of the street and more streetlights in each block. That means more trenching and cabling, and possible loss of some street trees. The cost to do that is estimated at $405,000, a lot of money in this economy.

 

Is there another option?
Yes. The teardrop streetlight, reproducing a streetlight used in Tacoma in 1946, is available. They come in three colors: black, dark green and dark bronze. They could replace the current streetlights without any additional lights or cabling, but they are 30 ft. tall (same as the current lights). PW will cover the removal of the existing lights (which will be reused elsewhere) and the installation the new ones. However, the teardropstreetlights are considerably more expensive than the current lights ($9000/unit compared to $1000/unit). The total cost to be divided by North I property owners would be $263,062 or about $1781 per average lot (50’x120’). That amount can be paid over 10 years at an average annual cost of $267. Property owners on fixed income may qualify to have the LID assistance program pay 100% of their assessment.  That’s less than acorn-top lights, but still a lot of money.

Does anyone like the teardrop option?
Not really. LPC considers the design adequate, but is concerned about the height and would prefer to see the acorn-top style throughout the historic district. The NSHD board considers the teardrop better than the current streetlights, but shares the same concerns as LPC. We’re calling a meeting with North I property owners to get your feedback and suggestions on how to proceed.

What do we need to decide?
North I property owners need to decide three things:
1. Do you support the proposed LID and the teardrop streetlight?
2. If not, do you want to request PW come back with a different proposal and along what lines?
3. Or, do you want just to drop the issue and accept the current streetlights?

Please join us at a meeting on Thursday October 9th at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Immanuel Presbyterian Church (corner of North J and N. 9th) to discuss these issues.