An innovative street light program has been implemented in North Corktown: LED lights just under 4 feet tall are being installed in front yards to provide additional street illumination. The lights are tied into the home's electricity -- which means they are not impacted when streetlights go out -- and will cost each homeowner less than $2 per year to operate.
The stainless steel lights were designed by Design Think Tank. "They are a completely unique design inspired by the city's automotive heritage," says
Greater Corktown Development Corp. housing development director Keegan Mahoney. "They were processed in the same way that auto parts would be manufactured." Two hundred were made in this first phase; approximately 50 have been installed.
"Our intention is to install them as homes are rehabbed or built in the neighborhood," says Mahoney. "Ideally, we'd do another pressing for future development in the neighborhood."
A Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant funded the program, making the lights free to homeowners. The first phase is limited to owner-occupied dwellings, although Greater Corktown will make them available to landlords and business owners in the future. The organization is exploring solar-powered options for use in pocket parks and community gardens.
Source: Keegan Mahoney, Greater Corktown
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.