REMINDER: Around 28 Percent of Baldwin Boro Streetlights Could Come Down

Residents' concerns over the possible elimination of 376 streetlights in Baldwin Borough will be heard at public meetings on Tuesday, March 20 (), and Monday, March 26 (). Both meetings are set for 7 p.m. starts.

The 376 lights, which account for almost 28 percent of the borough's 1,350 streetlights, could be eliminated in a cost-saving measure thought up by municipal officials.

"It would save about $66,000 annually (for borough taxpayers)," Baldwin Borough Manager John Barrett said. "We would see savings in year No. 2 as Duquesne Light would charge us about $58,000 to remove the lights."

Duquesne Light owns the streetlights.

A formal decision to eliminate the 376 lights, including some that have already been out for some time, has not yet been made. Borough officials want to hear the concerns of borough residents first, which is why the public meetings have been scheduled. Residents who wish to share their concerns over or their support of the eliminations are encouraged to do so at the meetings.

Chief Michael Scott has already given the eliminations his blessing.

"I don't have any concerns regarding the streetlight proposal that is being considered by Baldwin Borough Council," Scott said. "The study was done by my department and recommended by me.

"We (also) recommended that 37 streetlights that are currently out be replaced and recommended 11 streetlights that illuminate fire hydrants be retained. Of the lights that are recommended to be eliminated, none illuminate curves, drop-offs or intersections or pose a threat to crime suppression efforts."

An alphabetical list of the lights being considered for elimination is available in the media gallery found toward the top of this page. It is also available here on the borough website.

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