Street Lights Phase 2--Request for Release of Funds

Today i sent MEDC the Request for Release of Funds (RRF) and the Environmental Certification for Phase 2 of the Rogers City Downtown Street Light Improvement Project.  The document is about 20 pages of details including my certification that the project will not harm the natural environment and that an environmental impact study is not needed.

The project will actually be beneficial to the environment as it will reduce energy consumption by an estimated 30% over the existing high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps in our cobra head street lights.

Some people have observed that the downtown does not look as "bright" with these new lights.  Testing of the light level on the street proves that the light levels are actually higher.  The reason it does not appear as bright is that the new lamps are shielded from horizontal view.  You don't see the lamp itself unless you get under the light and look up.  So, when you look down the street, you don't see the bright bulbs (which are actually very bright if you look up into the lamp).

The type of lighting we now enjoy actually is better for visibility and the environment.  You aren't blinded by bright bulbs which harm your night vision.  Also, you can see special effects lighting better with these new lights.  Finally, it is "dark sky" or "star light" compliant.  you can see the stars more easily because you don't see the bright bulbs which reduce night vision.

If you want to learn more about our new lights, don't hesitate to contact me.  Once you get use to the change you are going to love the new lights, especially since they save your tax money!

Street Light Project

With grant funds from the Michigan State Housing Authority (MSHDA) Vibrant Small Cities Initiative (VSCI), Rogers City is finaly ready to contract to install new Light Emitting Diode (LED) street light on Third Street (our Main Street) from Ontario Street to Huron Avenue. Cordes Excavating appears to be the low qualifying bidder, based on bids recieved and publiclly opened today. The Cordes bid was $256,679.99. Beacon Procusts is manufacturing the state-of-the-art lamps and poles we Cordes will install. Fleis and VandenBrink Engineering Inc. performed the design and detailed engineering for the project. Weather permitting, the work will be done before winter.

Your comments on this project are always welcome.

Street Light Project

The new street lights for Rogers City are coming to our main street--Third Street--this year. Unfortunately, we don't have enough funding to do the entire street. The current plan is to put the new lights from Ontario Street to Huron Avenue. This covers the heart of the traditional downtown.

There will be approximately 37 new light fixtures. Check a previous post on this blog for a diagram of this fixture and pole. The lights and poles are manufactured by Beacon Products, LLC. The lights will provide approximately the same amount of light to the sidewalk and street as the existing "cobra" lights, but the new lights will use only about half of the electricity, will shine only down not up into the sky, and have a "nautical" appearance. The cost of the project is estimated to be $380,000 for parts and installation.

Previously, the City hired Fleis and VandenBrink Engineering, Inc. to design and engineer the project. They are being paid $60,000 for their work, for a total project cost of $440,000. The City and Community Development Authority (CDA) had planned on a maximum of $450,000 for the project. The funding is from the CDA budget and Vibrant Small Cities Initiative (VSCI) grant funding. No City General Fund money will be used for this project.

If you have questions or comments about the project, please send them to me.

New Street Lights Coming to Main Street

The Community Development Authority (CDA) and City Council have decided on a new street light style for Rogers City. Below is a link showing this product, made by Beacon, Inc.:

Miramar%20Luminaire.pdf

Improving our downtown street lighting is part of the effort to revitalize our downtown and become a selected main street community. Currently, Rogers City is listed as a Main Street Associate. If you want to get involved or to find out more about this project, please contact me.

Design Committee Meeting

Monday, July 6, 2009 at 7:00 pm is the next meeting of the Rogers City Community Development Authority (CDA) Main Street Design Committee. The Design Committee has been working for months to obtain new energy efficient Street Lights for downtown Rogers City. During this meeting, the committee will determine its recommendations about these lights to send to the City Council and the CDA Board. This meeting will literally put a new light on our town for years to come. Come to the meeting, help us make the right decision, and we'll all see the light!