YARMOUTH — The Energy Savers Committee is nearing the end of a two-year project to reduce street lights as a way to save money, energy and reduce light pollution.

Marge Titcomb, YES chairwoman, said the town’s nearly 650 streetlights have been mapped and reviewed, and the committee recommends turning off 110 lights. The recommendation has been reviewed by Public Works, and the Police and Fire departments.

Titcomb said the goal is to reduce the town’s street lights by 15 percent. That would result in an estimated annual savings of $15,000 and a reduction of 11 tons of greenhouse gases, about 40,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year.

“This has been a huge project,” Titcomb said. “And the savings will continue for years to come.”

Titcomb said while the plan to eliminate street lighting has been available to the community for weeks, there has not been much feedback.

Town Engineer Dan Jellis said he has received comments from only two residents regarding the proposal. One sent a request to keep a neighborhood light on, and one resident asked the committee to consider removing more than the proposed 110 streetlights.

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“The committee will review the requests, and will inform the residents of their decision,” he said.

The lights that are proposed to be shut off are taped with orange survey tape, and there is a map of the lights on the town’s Web site.

Titcomb said residents can appeal any lights designated for removal or request additional lights to be considered for removal until Monday, March 22. Comments can be submitted to Jellis or by using the Street Lights Out Form on the Web.

“It takes dedication to keep the project rolling,” she said, “but we are in the homestretch now.”

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net


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