Old Dover Neighborhood Using Holiday Lights to Increase Security

As the darkest months roll around, the Old Dover Neighborhood is taking steps to beef up security while bringing holiday cheer to South End streets.

As part of the “Light the Winter Night” initiative, the neighborhood association is calling on businesses and residents to use strings of holiday lights to brighten streets and pedestrian walkways. The creative approach is designed to discourage loitering and unwanted activity while providing a pleasant backdrop for holiday shopping and dining.

“If you’re on Harrison Ave. at 4:30 in the afternoon, it’s pitch black,” said business owner Frank Campanale. “We want to make it more comfortable, more inviting for the residents to shop [and] dine local as well as visitors.” 

In past months, Old Dover has been working closely with local police and the Pine Street Inn to in the areas around Peters Park and along Harrison Avenue. Officers have frequently mentioned lighting as a proactive way to combat crime.

“The police have told us lighting is our first line of defense,” Campanale said. “[Light the Winter Night] is about brightening up the night. Not just decorating.”

Lights will be hung throughout the Old Dover neighborhood on Harrison Avenue, East Berkeley Street, Washington Street, Thayer Street, Paul Sullivan Way and Laconia Way. SoWa business is selling strands of lights at cost for just $3 a strand.

On Thursday, December 1, the neighborhood association is kicking off the campaign with a holiday party at the showroom on Harrison Ave. The party, which runs from 6-9 p.m., will include food and drinks, live entertainment and gift bags with special offerings from local businesses.

In the future, Campanale and others would like to see the city step up its involvement in safety initiatives including the replacement of Harrison Avenue streetlights that have seen better days. Requests for support for “Light the Winter Night” were ignored by City Hall, Campanale said.

“I’m looking at street lights that I’m sure were installed in the 70s,” he said. “It would be nice to get some lighting support from the city.”