CC Min 1997-04-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Councilman Claire said, "In my opinion the only argument that could be made not to go with the high pressure at this point in time is certainly what it will do to the observatory. But the other argument is that when we did this in 1982/83... it was a cost savings problem. We were still reeling ITom Prop 13,.. and high energy costs. I agree with the City Manager.,. that $2,526 more to go forward with the high pressure which in my opinion will brighten up the area substantially, and for that minor cost I am willing to go with high pressure. I believe Broadway is dismal as far as lighting is concerned...1 think we need to take a look at Broadway as a separate entity and what can we do with lighting in that area, whether it be cleaning the lamps, different lenses, or go to mercury vapor or something like that. For this resolution only, it is just to underground a district, and has nothing to do with Broadway, and we are only looking at a $2,526 difference in operations... For that cost, I think the brightness is well worth it." Councilman Ruskin said, "While it may be just a matter of perception, in this case perception is everything. The degree to which we perceive an area is well lighted is critical. What meters gauge ITom lighting becomes irrelevant in terms of our ability to use and enjoy the area, if the eye doesn't perceive it as being well lit. For most people the low sodium lighting feels very dark. I am concerned about the effect it will have on the observatory,.. but I would hate to see Redwood City bear the full brunt of that matter, because all of the other commercial areas in our region are using the high sodium lights, and that puts us at a relative disadvantage. I think it is most prudent to vote to increase the lights to high sodium lights, certainly in the commercial areas, so I will vote yes on this item." Vice Mayor Howard said, "I have been discussing these yellow lights for some time now. I feel that the perception is a real thing. I walk Redwood City in the evening... for the past 15 years, and when you walk through the yellow lights there is a feeling that you are unsafe. Whether it is real or imagined, I've never had an incident in 15 years, but I always feel that way when I step through the yellow lights. I know that has been expressed by many people here tonight. I wanted to thank Mario for his comments. They were very well expressed, exactly how I feel and many merchants feel, and I agree totally with Councilman Claire's remarks. I think it is important now that we are encouraging residential occupation in downtown. It's not just commercial and retail anymore. We want people to move into our downtown. That is a safety factor we have to be aware of. . . They're going to be coming out at night... we have an opportunity and an obligation to make them feel safer. Whiter lights are one way to go about that... I know we will be looking into other ways to solve Broadway's lighting. For this area right now, I will support the high pressure sodium lights. Councilman Leipzig said, "Broadway right now is high pressure sodium, correct? And we have heard ITom several people who don't like that, and we have heard ITom Council Members who don't like the look. Why would we go with high pressure in another area?" Councilman Ruskin said, "High pressure sodium gives a sufficient light in general commercial areas, but when you get to a central commercial street like Broadway or University Avenue where you are hoping for a lot of foot traffic, the core of your business, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 APRIL 7, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 240 PAGE 18