As reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune in their article “Aging Loma Portal Streetlights Are Getting a Revamp, but Not Everyone Is Happy,” the city of San Diego is undertaking two major projects to replace outdated streetlights in the Loma Portal neighborhood. This initiative, which aims to enhance public safety and modernize lighting infrastructure, has sparked mixed reactions from residents.
The first project, the Loma Palisades SL Series Circuit Conversion, involves replacing 35 streetlights across Worden, Barnard, Adrian, Bob, and Polack streets with a $1.3 million budget. The second project, the Plumosa Park Series Circuit Conversion, focuses on replacing 39 streetlights, with 26 lights being entirely replaced and 13 being restored. This project costs $1.6 million. Both are expected to conclude by spring 2024.
However, the new modern streetlights have raised concerns among some residents, who feel the taller and contemporary designs clash with the neighborhood’s historic charm. Sandy Hanshaw, chairwoman of the Point Loma Association, highlighted the community’s desire to preserve the area’s iconic lampposts and suggested raising funds to restore rather than replace them. Similarly, local resident Elaine Burrell criticized the use of taxpayer money to implement what she views as unsightly, modern replacements.
In response, city spokesman Tyler Becker defended the upgrades, pointing to the structural deterioration of the old poles and the cost benefits of installing new energy-efficient LED streetlights with updated circuitry. The new system will also localize outages, ensuring that one failure does not leave an entire street in darkness.
Looking ahead, additional work may be done on Chatsworth Boulevard, and temporary solar-powered lights may be installed to address lighting gaps while permanent solutions are implemented.
The streetlight revamp highlights the tension between preserving history and implementing necessary infrastructure upgrades. While some residents welcome the improvements, others fear the loss of their neighborhood’s unique character.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of sandiegouniontribune.com
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