Lights Out for Detroit

As Detroit struggles through major economic and population losses, the mayor plans to turn off approximately half of the city's streetlights, Chris Christoff reports.

1 minute read

May 27, 2012, 7:00 AM PDT

By jerinbrent

Basic civic amentities such as buses and police service are strapped in Detroit. As residents have fled, the population has become increasingly sparse across the 139 square miles. Shutting off streetlights is among the money-saving techniques planned by the city.

The Chief Operating Officer of Detroit, Chris Brown, explains the strategy, "You have to identify those neighborhoods where you want to concentrate your population. We're not going to light distressed areas like we light other areas."

Essentially, the city hopes to reshape the city. A large number of neighborhoods are only 10-15 percent occupied. Turning off the lights in certain areas may encourage residents to consolidate in the core of the city.

Thanks to Jessica Brent

Read the full story: Half of Detroit’s Streetlights May Go Out as City Shrinks

Thursday, May 24, 2012 in Bloomberg

Infrastructure Michigan Detroit Streetlights

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