Letters to the editor

Letter to the Editor: Light the way

I would like to show my support for several of the goals outlined at (a recent) council special meeting, especially the replacement of the current Fire Station # 3, public strategic plans for future significant developments, updating equipment and technology for council meetings and the administrative offices into the 21st Century, and I especially like the idea of a digital clock for public forum.

But I do want to expand the subject of replacing the streetlights where they are deficient. I absolutely agree with Sharon Kuhl's assessment of Pike Street. I do not travel that road at night because of the poor lighting, combined with curves in the road, and water on occasion running across it.

I use the alternative route, Blizzard Drive, but it also has problems with lighting. I first brought this safety issue about a month ago, to the attention of the police chief and the city engineer. With pitch-black conditions at the bottom of the hill, I narrowly missed hitting someone on a small bike who crossed illegally less than a foot in front of my vehicle.

Since that time, I have been counting the number of lighted streetlights on Blizzard Drive. Follow me from the bottom of Blizzard where it merges with Pike Street and Broadway Avenue, and where the new roundabout is expected soon, up the hill, past the library and the fire station, in front of Parkersburg South, and down the other hill that runs down into the intersection with Rt. 95.

There are only 3 working streetlights along this entire stretch. Some businesses have pole lights on their property, but I am not counting those as streetlights. The rest of the streetlights in this area are NOT working. In an area where students who do not have vehicle transportation, regularly walk on the sidewalks, and within the right-of-way, in both directions from the high school. This includes not only during school hours but also after-school events.

I realize that Blizzard Drive is a state road, and Mon Power is a public entity. Since the City is responsible for over 2,900 streetlights, I think that the safety of the citizens (especially in school zones) should be a priority in addressing which lights are replaced first. A bonus for lighting up these areas is that criminals might be deterred from carrying out their crimes. Wasn't that the rationale for expanding the lighting in Southwood Park?

Sue Ellen Waybright

Parkersburg