2025 January 25 | Discussion: Conversion to LED Streetlights

UMNA is convening a community conversation about the City's planned conversion from conventional streetlight bulbs to whiter, brighter LED bulbs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC

As published in the UMNA e-Newsletter on January 8, 2025

Over the past couple of months new LED bulbs have become apparent on a number of side streets in Upper Monroe. Conversion to LED bulbs has been taking place on main roads in the City of Rochester for some time. (All of Monroe Avenue in the City is now lit by LEDs.) The replacement of lights on the side streets, however, is just getting underway in UM. The older, yellow-er “conventional” bulbs are being phased out. As they fail the street lights are retrofitted with new LED bulbs. City representatives we talked to were unclear about when to expect wholesale replacement.

As you can see in the photo of Shepard Street above, the new “daylight” white LED bulbs are very much whiter and very much brighter than the old bulbs. LED bulbs are expected to be cheaper to run, last longer and cheaper to replace according to the City of Rochester’s Office of Energy & Sustainability.

Some of the neighbors living in proximity of the new LED streetlights, however, aren’t at all happy about the changeover. Informal reports from affected residents indicate the whiter, brighter LED bulbs throw light further than the current bulbs. As a result, the stronger bulbs have been illuminating nearby street-facing rooms. Even at some distance, neighbors tell us the brighter light can be perceived as intruding into living spaces to a greater degree than conventional lights.

Recognizing that eventually ALL the current conventional bulbs will be replaced by the new LED bulbs, a number of neighbors are decrying how the combining effects of even stronger lights along city streets will disturb the natural environment. We know how concentrated, intense lighting reduces visibility of the night sky. Brighter lights are certain to worsen the problem. These factors are known to adversely affect humans; physically as well as psychologically.

There are neighbors concerned about crime who see the new bulbs as a desired feature they associate with deterrence. Cost conscious neighbors welcome the long term economic savings they hope will reduce the size of future tax rate increases. Those concerned about climate impacts have expressed support for the benefits of a reduced carbon footprint in this energy usage category. Why isn’t it happening faster, they ask. So, it’s a mixed bag.

There may be ways to mitigate at least some of the concerns and retain most of the benefits. A group of interested neighbors is poised for action. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to [email protected].

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: A private residence in the Upper Monroe neighborhood

For security reasons we are asking participants to register in advance. Those who register will receive the exact address.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Registration is closed.

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LED Streetlights Discussion - Agenda and Info Sheet January 25 2025.pdf

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What to expect:

The discussion will begin with a brief non-technical background on LEDs and the rationale for the changeover. Then we'll go through an update on the expected timetable for conversation to LED street lights in our area. We'll talk about residents' concerns related to the new LEDs including light intensity, spillage, color and any other matters. We'll also discuss "dark sky compliance" issues and other collateral impacts. Once we have a sense of residents' views we’ll talk through ideas to help mitigate any concerns.