Decatur is replacing its 1,379 mercury vapor streetlights with new LED lights, and Assistant City Manager David Junger said he’s received some complaints though responses have been mostly favorable. No one showed up to complain during Monday’s commission meeting.

The lights are considerably brighter than their predecessors, providing far better illumination of street signs, bicyclists and pedestrians, among others. Junger has said the 3000 Kelvins shed a softer light in the yellow spectrum, and they will be “more reliable without any flickering and will have a longer life.”

He added the police department believes the new lights make streets safer.

The changeover should be complete in the next few weeks. Meantime Junger advises giving the new nightime look a chance.

“After a while,” he said, “if you feel there’s a negative impact, or too much reflection, Georgia Power will come out and evaluate. They can put a shield around the sides of the fixture, allowing for a little more cutoff.”

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com