Order Number |
35356889678 |
Type of Project |
ESSAY |
Writer Level |
PHD VERIFIED |
Format |
APA |
Academic Sources |
10 |
Page Count |
3-12 PAGES |
Memorandum
Date: November, 10, 2021
To: Ernest Bartosh, Citizen Representative (Chairman) of the Public Safety Committee
From: Ciani Algoo, Avalon Woods Resident
Subject: Request to Conduct Research on Energy Efficient Streetlights
Summary
I have been a resident of Avalon Woods sense February this year. I would like to express my concerns over the absence of streetlights for night travel (walking, jogging, driving) around the neighborhood. I would like to propose a solution that will both benefit the community and be environmentally friendly.
What is the Problem and Why Does It Need to Be Investigated?
First, it is our responsibility as humans to take care of the earth and continuously improve ourselves. Taking the initiative, to invest in solar power or energy efficient streetlights could benefit our community, but also be beneficial to the environment. Spotsylvania County has already put into effect of eliminating plastic bags and switching to brown paper bags, giving customers the option to use their own tote bags in stores, mandate recycling in apartment complexes, college campuses, and residential areas like mine. Spotsylvania county even has a place for citizens to bring in their trash and recycling. In addition, electric car charging stations are set up around the county.
Secondly, daylight savings time is taking effect and the sun begins to set around 1pm. Around 7pm it is completely dark. Residences maybe making their way home from evening walks around this time. At the same time some residences are driving home from work. Some residences do take the time to wear high visibility reflective gear, but for those that don’t wear any gear streetlight installation could come in handy. Specifically, kids and teenagers still wondering around even when the sun has set. Halloween has come and gone, during my walk around the neighborhood the street was only visible because of the decorated houses or porch lights. Drivers were cautious at least, but some people drove with their high beams on, blinding pedestrians they passed by.
Thirdly, I would like to acknowledge the fact that residences have to illuminate the mailbox with their car when picking up their mail late. There is no light post installed in that one area.
The safety of pedestrians and continuing to invest in environmentally friendly solutions can benefit the community. It is important to prevent any possible night time misfortune. There are squirrels, deer, and domesticated pets they may get out and wonder about. Streetlights will keep them visible to drivers if they decide to make their way across the street. Driver should know better than to drive without their lights on, but still reckless driving still occurs.
What Secondary Research I Have Conducted/Will Conduct about the Problem
I conducted secondary research through my school’s library database. My research is based on the importance of streetlights and environmentally friendly streetlighting solutions. The resources pulled offers information on a sustainability streetlight solution in other suburb and residential areas. A periodical on lighting design keeps an updated issue on their product design sense 1997. This resource could provide guidance on the best lighting needed for our neighborhood. Research has taught me the requirements we should check off when it comes to a sustainable useful streetlight, i.e., light output and cutoff capability.
Additionally, these resources highlight safety the streetlight installation provides. Providing evidence of streetlights improvement in the community. Interviews conducted with residences of suburban areas discuss how dark it is without streetlights and the built-up worry for their safety. One case even goes into the lack of initiative taken by the city council and the utility company when calls and reports were made about the absence of streetlights and maintenance needed to replace old blown out bulbs. Sustainable security regulations and proper installation. Reports can be made if the lights are too bright and shining into residence windows causing discomfort and irritation.
Why We Will Benefit from My Research and Recommendations
Our community will benefit from the primary and secondary research I will perform and study. Through my research, I will provide photographic evidence of the neighborhood during the day and the night. For example, a photo of the mailbox during the day and the photo of the mailbox at night as my headlights shine on the area. I will also provide alternatives to different forms of lighting the neighborhood residence could consider. I recommend taking my next-door neighbors creative lights they have strung up around the streets that guide you down our dark street behind a cul-de-sac. The lights are charged daily by solar powered with a panel propped up in the ground pointed up at the sun.
Conclusion
Sustainable streetlighting installation can benefit not only my community, but be used as a model for our county. Our county is doing so well at enforcing recycling and eliminating plastic. We could go a step further and replace more day-to-day items with more eco-friendly items. We should always strive to improve our environment, not just for us but for the children we influence. With your permission, I would like to conduct the research and provide beneficial recommendations. Please contact me through email if you would like scholarly sources I pulled through my secondary research.
Streetlight Installation in Avalon Woods
Presented to
Ernest Bartosh
Citizen Representative
(Chairman) of the Public Safety Committee
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Prepared by
Ciani Algoo
Resident of Avalon Woods
Fredericksburg, Virginia
23, November, 2021
Executive Summary
Purpose and Method of this Report
Avalon Woods is a new residential suburban area developed by Atlantic Builders. Most residences have not resided in the neighborhood for a full year. Due to low HOA, residences must accept the absence of streetlights and sidewalks. The purpose of this report is to:
Pictures are provided showing areas at night where lighting would be beneficial. Scholarly and trade journals discuss the many environmentally friendly streetlighting installation.
Findings and Conclusions
Most of the research recognized the importance of streetlight installation in an environmentally or technically advanced method. Although, some research provided solutions that were a bit expensive. Which could lead to a raise on property tax from the home owner’s association. Some respondents would prefer to purchase their own lighting sources out of pocket.
The results of this study shows that plenty of streetlighting alternatives could be used in the area.
Recommendations for Installing Efficient Streetlighting
Recommendations for Installing Efficient Streetlighting include: