What's being done about Detroit's broken streetlights? - KMSP-TV

The mayor of Detroit has said he has a plan for the streetlights in the city, but some lawmakers in Lansing don't like the idea. There could be another vote this week as residents grow increasingly impatient over the dangerous lack of lighting.

"It's just so dangerous. Like you have to watch your back," said Charletta Campbell.

She was out for a walk along Fenkell with her two-year-old daughter. Above her the streetlights were burning bright, but not at night when they're needed.

"It's the poor management because see somebody's not even governing that. You know, that could be at night," said Bob Brown.

Streetlights not working is a huge problem in the City of Detroit, allowing criminals to go undetected under the cover of night while stripping businesses of expensive materials.

Just last week, we reported on two deadly accidents were no streetlights were working at either scene as people crossed the road and lost their lives, and people who live and pay taxes in Detroit just don't feel safe at night.

"The city (needs) to get out here and see what's going on with the streetlights because it (is) dark. Anybody could be in there. Somebody could be after somebody. You never know what's going on," said Kimberly McKinley.

So what's being done about it? Crews were working on the lights Monday, and Mayor Dave Bing proposed a lighting authority back in August, but since then has had problems getting his plan approved in the state legislature.

Some of Detroit's own politicians are standing in the way. State Senator Coleman A. Young II sees it as another state takeover.

"Simply think it's the wrong way to go about doing business. There (are) better ways to do this, and I just think fundamentally I just disagree with the mayor on this and I think he's wrong on this issue."

The legislation could come before the state lawmakers again this week.

While the lack of streetlights certainly contributes to the crime problem and the rash of car accidents, some say it doesn't really matter because people are being attacked in the city in broad daylight.

"I've heard of people being robbed mowing their lawn. This is your home. You're supposed to feel safe at your home, so it doesn't make a difference whether it's night or day or if the streetlights work," said Star Jackson.