For nearly a year now, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and members of the city council have been quietly implementing a new safety initiative that is already making a big impact on the quality of life here in the Hub City.
Nicknamed Operation Nightlight, the council has authorized the installation of nearly 100 new street lights scattered throughout all five wards and in every corner of the city.
Intended to discourage crime, cut down on vandalism, and improve the safety of both residents and law enforcement officers, the additional lighting is being installed and serviced by crews with Mississippi Power with the city picking up a nominal monthly expense for the light fixture itself and the monthly energy costs.
In most cases, a single dusk-to-dawn street light only costs the city pennies a day and for Police Chief Anthony Parker, that’s a small price to pay to keep his officers safe and sound.
“When we respond to calls, no matter what area, it is always helpful for us to be able to see the areas we are responding to,” he said. “Regardless if that be an alleyway, dead-end street, parking lot or roadway.”
Barker said the initiative originally began in response to feedback the administration was receiving at town hall meetings held in each of the city’s five wards.
“While some infrastructure requests can take some time to implement, adding new or improved street lights is something we can take immediate action on,” said Barker. “And in many cases, it makes an immediate difference on the neighborhood.”
During this week’s city council meeting, officials approved the installation of new-and-improved lighting at the following locations:
- Pedestrian Bridge on Beverly Lane
- Light on pole at Bridge on Grave Ave.
- N. 21st Ave from W. 4th St. to Hardy
- Quinn St. from Hwy. 49 to the bridge on Kimball Ave.
- N. 22nd Ave and N. 23rd Ave. from Hardy Street to Quinn Street.
- Camp Street @ 7th Ave. to Concart St.
- W. 4th Street from N. 21st Ave. to Highway 49.
- N. 31st Avenue from W. 7th Street to Highway 49 N.
In all, the monthly energy cost for those eight lights is $364.51.
Barker said he hopes to continue the project as long need exists.
“We are gathering a lot of feedback through these town hall meetings, but if a resident feels that an area in their neighborhood could be enhanced by better or more efficient lighting, they should call (601) 545-4500 and we’ll see what we can do.”
