No streetlights for Bloomingdale

The night sky will continue to reign supreme in Bloomingdale, with Woolwich council voting down a proposal to install streetlights in part of the village.

The split decision came at a meeting last week following a plea from resident Deanna Zenger, who argued against the plan, pointing to the impact of light pollution.

“Dark skies have many benefits,” she said, noting there are no safety issues in Bloomingdale that would warrant the move.

Having divided the village into three zones for the purpose of polling residents about streetlights, the township nixed the idea in two of the areas due to opposition. Though there was a close split in the third zone, Woolwich had proposed going ahead nonetheless.

Already balking at the underwhelming support from residents and the price tag, Coun. Patrick Merlihan was even more convinced when told the estimated $37,000 cost had almost doubled to $72,600 for just 14 lights in one section.

“I think that is ridiculous for the very few people that it’s going to serve,” he said of the price tag, noting that overall only about a third of those who responded to a township survey wanted streetlights.

“I think we need to respect the ‘yes’ people,” countered Coun. Mark Bauman.

He was supported by Coun. Murray Martin, but with Coun. Scott Hahn opposed, the motion failed as the result of tie vote.