South Park residents ask for streetlights

Talk about it

Thirty-five residents from the South Park neighborhood have signed a petition asking for more streetlights near their homes.

The neighbors delivered their petition to the Red Wing City Council on Monday. Residents say additional lighting would help take a bite out of "suspicious activity."

It's unlikely, however, their wishes will be granted anytime soon.

Council member Jerry Cook, who represents Ward 3 where the South Park neighborhood is located, told the R-E he likes the idea of adding street lights but said he doesn't know how the city would pay for it given current budget constraints.

"A lot of neighborhoods need more street lighting," Cook said. "I don't see any money for it now."

He said the city has even shut off some lights along Highway 61 because its purse is pinched.

In their petition residents said they understand Red Wing is strapped for cash, but said they're willing to work with the city to seek out any potential federal funding sources.

South Park residents held a neighborhood meeting in August 2008 with police and city staff after an abduction in the area. Street lighting was one of a handful of topics neighbors, police and city staff mulled over as they talked about how to make the neighborhood safer.

Since then residents have formed a neighborhood watch group and one of their focuses has been improving street lighting in the area.

Police Chief Tim Sletten said there are things residents can do themselves to help the situation. He said they can install lights on garages to keep alleys illuminated and can trim hedges to increase the visibility around their properties.

The council formally accepted the petition Monday. It may discuss the issue at a future meeting.

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