City to hold public hearing on lighting project

The city of Columbia is scheduled to hold a public hearing on a downtown lighting project on April 15.

Several Columbia citizens told ABC 17 News they are not aware of the project.

According to the city, the lighting project was designed to make Columbia safer. This is done by adding LED lights to downtown Columbia and lighting up the area.

“We’re hoping that some information on a pilot project can actually be returned,” said Columbia Water and Light Advisory Board director Scott Fines.

According to Fines, the city installed some of the LED lights already, and CPD should have the data on whether or not crime has decreased in those areas.

The lights were placed on East Broadway, from Hitt Street to Waugh Street. The testing took place from January 16 to 30.

ABC 17 News reached out to CPD about the data, but never received a response. The station has since filed a sunshine request.

“I think it could be a good idea,” said MU Advisor Amy Bruer.

Bruer said she only found out about the project recently.

“I feel like maybe they have not publicized this as much as they should have because it’s not a thing I have been aware of for very long,” she said.

Previous reporting by ABC 17 News shows the city has been talking about the project since November 17, 2017.

ABC 17 News spoke to eight people in downtown Columbia who said they had no idea about the project.

“I think it could be a good idea. Would it do anything? I don’t know,” said Bruer. “I haven’t seen any data.”