Conversion to LED Streetlights

BACKGROUND

In summary, the conversion from sodium vapor streetlights to LED streetlights hasn’t been as good as many hoped. Expected & desired improvements (lower cost, lower energy use, potential improvements in safety) have been counterbalanced with notable undesirable outcomes (light intrusion, detrimental health/environmental impacts, a sterile looking streetscape) that were unknown or unexpected before LEDs bulbs were installed in our neighborhood.

The streetlights we are used to - lights that have sodium vapor bulbs - have a warmer color (closer to a “candle light”) than the new LED bulbs which emit colder, bluer, “daylight balanced” light. LED lights are experienced as brighter and harsher than sodium vapor lights resulting in a more sterile feeling. In addition, numerous Upper Monroe residents are reporting unwelcome light intrusion into their private spaces, interrupting sleep in cases where LEDs are positioned such that the lights are shining, unobstructed, into second floor bedroom windows. Add to this international studies that reveal a host of negative impacts resulting from municipal-wide LED lighting systems on human/animal/environmental health in general; not something Rochester has had to confront until now.

Everyone agrees LEDs deliver on their promise to reduce energy use and reduce cost burdens. At the same time, some residents perceive LED lights as a tool to reduce crime even though most independent studies (Those studies not funded or supported by commercial LED interests.) are inconclusive on the effectiveness of the sort of incremental changes in illumination provided by LEDs (i.e., whether LEDs are factually more effective than sodium vapor bulbs). Of course, the benefits of lower operating costs and lower energy usage can only me improved with even lower wattage settings on LEDs.

Perhaps most importantly, while sodium vapor lights can not be adjusted LED bulbs provide multiple adjustments to both the light wattage/intensity and color. The best outcome will result from adjustments to minimize the negative impacts while maintaining any marginal increase in effectiveness.

Streetlight adjustments can be requested on a case-by-case basis 24-hour basis by calling 311 or by filling out this form online.

UPDATE: August, 2025

After careful consideration and discussion on August 17, 2025 the UMNA leadership team approved the following position on LED street lights in our area:

"UMNA will pursue reducing the brightness of streetlights to the lowest level (35 watts) and adjusting streetlights to the warmest color (3K)."*

*Undertaking this effort may take an extended amount of time and will require reaching out to UM residents about the pros and cons of adjustments to lighting controls before advocating with the City administration.

GOOD GENERAL INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC

Audio Report produced by Living Planet - Part 1: Light pollution – Bright lights, big, LED cities reported by Kathleen Schuster - Click here to read the transcript of Part 1

Interviewees: Chris Kyba, physicist and light pollution detective, Ruhr University Bochum; Jana Eccard, animal ecologist, University of Potsdam

Audio Report produced by Living Planet - Part 2: Light pollution – Rewilding the night - reported by Kathleen Schuster - Click here to read the transcript of Part 2

Interviewees: Dr. Taylor Stone, program manager at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands; Dr. Rupert Griffiths, researcher urban design, Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts at Lancaster University; Dr. Nick Dunn, professor of urban design and executive director of Imagination, Lancaster University; Dr. Alison Powell, associate professor of media and communication, London School of Economics; Dr. Gina Maffey, writer, science communicator

The following speakers addressed the Rochester City Council on concerns related to LED streetlights on Tuesday, January 23, 2025. There were quite a few speakers that night. If you prefer, you can advance the video along the following sequence.

1. The clip below begins with remarks on this topic by Rome Celli, president of UMNA.

2. At 25 minutes, 24 seconds Mary Ann Cole from the North Winton Village neighborhood spoke.

3. At 33 minutes, 34 seconds Robert Sandgrund from the Upper Monroe neighborhood spoke.

4. Immediately following Robert, Laurie Kash from the Upper Monroe neighborhood spoke.

Rochester NY Speak to Council 1/23/2024YouTube

Community conversation about the conversion to LED streetlights held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at a private home in Upper Monroe

Attendees: Michael Amy (Shepard Street), Rome Celli (Werner Park), Mary Anne Cole (Jersey Street), Elizabeth Goins (Crosman Terrace), Tim Guyot (Alliance Avenue), Adam Herdzik (Crosman Terrace), Laurie Kash (Shepard Street), Robert Sandgrund (Shepard Street), Kerria Weaver (Democrat & Chronicle) and Jeanne Weber (Alliance Avenue).

Next Steps:

• Advocate for the usage of "amber" colored LED bulbs;

• Generate and examine field data from around Rochester to determine LED performance relative to dark skies compliance;

• Generate and examine field data to determine the actual level of illumination, intensity and throw;

• Advocate for more effective shielding in cases where affected neighbors experience light intrusion;

• Advocate for deeper community engagement in ongoing efforts to convert to LED lighting across the city;

• Take a look at municipalities in other areas of the United State that have adopted overarching "dark skies" standards. What were their goals? What data was used to decide their standards? What are the demonstrable, objective outcomes since the standards have been implemented?

• Based on what we have learned update/revise any potential opportunities for individual residents;

• Be mindful of other related potential impacts such as digital billboard signage proposed along Rt. 490 in sight of Upper Monroe and Cobbs Hill Park; and

• If potential widespread modifications are available for the neighborhood, gather and share broad-based information about what is possible and then solicit many perspectives and inputs to see if a consensus emerges.

Street light maintenance in the Upper Monroe area can be requested on a 24-hour basis by calling 311 or by filling out this form online.

Street light maintenance in the Upper Monroe area can be requested on a 24-hour basis by calling 311 or by filling out this form online.