12/13/2016
Adam Poulisse, RRStar

By Adam Poulisse Staff writer ROCKFORD - Residents, businesses and organizations have an opportunity to shed some light on Madison Street. Rock River Development Partnership and the city today unveiled details of a program creating streetlight sponsorships along the underlit corridor. There are about 30 possible locations for streetlights on Madison Street; of those, about 20 existing poles don't have lights on them. Cathy McDermott, administrator with the Development Partnership, said the new initiative offers a quick solution for better lighting. "I don't know if the city is in a position to add streetlights," she said. "They're looking at more long-term." Madison Street Corridor - a group of area businesses and organizations focused on improving the thoroughfare - has been discussing low-cost options to put more lights on the street. Prairie Street Brewhouse, located on Madison Street, hosted the unveiling. Chris Manuel, one of the owners of the brewhouse, said the area needs more lights. "When it's dark out, patrons don't feel as safe as they do with the lights on," he said. "Police say you should have lights on outside your house to reduce crime. We're applying that here." Sponsoring a streetlight costs about $8, plus usage, which is at least $15 a month, according to a news release. Those interested should call the ComEd new business line at 866-639-3532, then press 2 and then 2 again.


For More Information:
http://www.rrstar.com/news/20161213/new-program-allows-residents-businesses-to-sponsor-light-along-madison-street