South Bend offering solar lampposts at reduced cost to cut down on dark spots

SOUTH BEND -- Homeowners have until Aug. 15 to take advantage of a lamppost program, which aims to bring more light into the city’s neighborhoods. 

The program is part of the Light Up South Bend initiative that was launched in 2015. It provides subsidized solar-powered lampposts for homeowners ? in addition to more and better street lights ? as part of an effort to eliminate dark spots in the city. 

“We know that lighting in our neighborhoods makes residents feel safer, and some studies have shown it does create safer neighborhoods,” Mayor James Mueller said via email. “The Lamppost Lighting Program is another example of the city’s efforts to create affordable and sustainable lighting enhancements for more vibrant neighborhoods.”   

Safety is what motivated Mary Adamo to take advantage of the lamppost program.  

Her neighborhood can be a bit dark in spots, as it has mature trees that can block the street lights and it borders Coquillard Park on the northeast side of the city. 

After learning about the particulars of the program, she was quick to fill out an application, and her new lamppost was installed last week.“People are more willing to do things in the dark than in places that are better lit,” said Adamo. “Light serves as a deterrent in the same way a parked police car along the freeway will get people to slow down.”