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Street lights are up for discussion

LYNDEBOROUGH – The South Lyndeborough Village area has about 20 street lights, most dating back to about 1947. Some don’t function properly, while others may no longer be needed where they are. Still others may prove more useful elsewhere.

During the March Town Meeting, voters approved the formation of a committee to study the lights with the goal of reducing costs and improving efficiency. That committee has now met several times. On Tuesday, they met with Paul Hausmann, strategic account executive with Eversource.

Committee Chairman Steve Brown outlined the situation and reasons for the study.

“We are comparing types of lights,” Brown said, “and looking at programs available. We also want down-casting lights and to know how light colors affect wildlife.”

Other concerns are aesthetics, ornamental, rustic-looking or perhaps to keep some historic character.

“We need to come up with a strategy, to do something before we write a report in October,” Brown said. October is the deadline for compiling a report for the budget committee if there is to be a request for funds at town meeting in March.

Haussmann said Eversource had identified the lights, what types are in place now, and outlined what is available.

“You can use the same brackets,” he said, although lights are purchased and installed by a vendor.

Police Chief Rance Deware said lights are required at crosswalks, and the village has few of them since changing the elementary school to a pre-school/kindergarten, although the school needs to remain well-lighted.

New areas include better lighting at the fire station and the library across the street where firefighters park and better lighting at Citizens’ Hall once the parking lot is paved.

Also of concern was the area in Lyndeborough Center between the Town Hall and the United Church, which currently has none other than in a lower parking lot.

It was noted that the center is a designated Historic District and the District Commission would have to weigh in on any changes.

It was agreed that a public hearing will be required once the committee has a plan. Input is needed from residents, especially those people who live near street lights. Would brighter lights affect them? Do any others feel a need for lights?

The next meeting is set for July 9. Committee members are asked to “bring in a wish list,” or their observations, for further discussion.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Citizens’ Hall and are open to the public.

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