Atlanta begins to add 10,000 streetlights throughout the city to reduce crime

The work is expected to improve right-of-way lighting on more than 3,100 roads in more than 100 neighborhoods. Additionally, the LED lights could provide a 40% drop in the city’s energy use and lower its annual carbon footprint by approximately 2,000 tons.

Bottoms said the new lights will also reduce traffic accidents, “furthering our Administration’s mission to build safe, welcoming and thriving communities in Atlanta.”

“The City of Atlanta is replicating successful lighting initiatives implemented in New York, Detroit, and other U.S. cities that have seen significant reduction in crime and crash rates,” said Rowan.

Womack, Georgia Power’s chairman, president and CEO, said Atlanta’s “forward-looking” initiative will contribute to a “better, more efficient roadway” as Georgia continues to grow with more residents.

The ceremony occurred Tuesday in front of the iVIllage @ MLK retail center near the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station. At the event, Westside resident Cynthia Dunn-Duhart told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she was happy to see work underway to illuminate her community.

“When we moved here we didn’t need lights, but as things changed and the elements in our society changed, we were met with darkness,” said Dunn-Duhart, who is 70 years old.

“We’re very excited because lights will dispel darkness, which is a criminal element in the city, and our communities are comprised of older people.”