Residential Lighting

Committee of the Whole Meeting (August 20, 2024):

As the city works to balance our community's needs with fiscal responsibility and sustainability, we are sharing the recent City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. During this meeting, we reviewed the potential for expanding residential lighting in Beachwood. The presentation's purpose was to reenergize the conversation around this important topic and foster a productive dialogue. 

The City of Beachwood is committed to keeping you informed and involved in these discussions, ensuring transparency every step of the way. Residents are encouraged to review the materials and share feedback via email at pilot@beachwoodohio.com as we work together on this important initiative.

View the Committee of the Whole PowerPoint presentation or watch the video below.

SURVEY RESULTS (PDF)

A direct outcome of the city’s focus group meeting on February 29, 2024, was that residents wanted to see the results of this lighting solution in-person. From May 18-29, 2024, a demo lighting display was installed on Beacon Drive. All Beachwood homeowners, not just the focus group, were highly encouraged to visit the display or see the video posted above. Residents then completed an online survey to provide their valuable feedback. The survey has closed and results are available. Results will have a direct impact on the city’s next steps towards a residential lighting solution.

If you have any additional feedback that you wish to provide beyond the survey, please email pilot@beachwoodohio.com.

Next Steps:

1. Reach out to residents from the focus group using a telephone survey. (COMPLETED)
2. Install demo display and launch survey. If it is determined that this solution meets residents' needs, the city will continue with steps 3-5. (COMPLETED)
3. Work with contractors to gauge interest and come up with a list for our residents.
4. Finalize cost estimates and share with residents.
5. Gather additional data on lighting and environmental impact.

Cleveland 19 News Coverage: 
September 28, 2023 - Let There Be Lights
March 4, 2024 - Unique Pilot Program

Focus Group Meeting (February 29, 2024):

The city hosted a focus group to discuss a potential residential lighting program on Thursday, Feb. 29 at the Beachwood Municipal Center. It was attended by approximately 50 residents, composed of those living on four streets, representing two in the north section and two streets in the south section of the city, under consideration for a pilot program:

• Beachwood Boulevard
• Beacon Drive
• Concord Road
• Ranch Road

The discussion was hosted by Mayor Justin Berns and members of city council with presentations from City Administrator Tina Turick, Building Commissioner Brian Roenigk, along with special guests Marty Bursky from Cleveland Lighting and Mike Kachala from Hinkley Lighting. Councilwoman Ali B. Stern moderated the discussion. The meeting was designed to gather information from residents to understand what is important to them.  The city is aiming to strike a balance between environmental impact and community preferences.

Video of the focus group discussion is available below.

Focus Group Primary Issues & Key Takeaways:

1. Lighting Expert Advice: Use low voltage and lower lumens with heads pointed close to the ground for less light trespass and safer transitions from bright to dark areas. Also, solar not recommended - deemed not suitable economically and reliability-wise for the project. 
2. Cost Estimate: An average of $1K to $2K per home, but further evaluation is needed to provide a not-to-exceed amount. 
3. Safety Priority: Safety, particularly for children at bus stops during dark hours, was highlighted as a key concern..
4. Possible Tours of Other Cities: To see similar lighting systems and/or determine an alternate solution.  

View the Focus Group PowerPoint presentation.