The Downtown Bellingham Partnership and City of Bellingham Launch Downtown Lighting Revamp
New project designed to help downtown business and property owners improve interior, storefront and exterior lighting
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) and City of Bellingham announced today a new project to address lighting concerns and connect downtown business and property owners with options for low or no-cost improvements. The project helps implement lighting upgrade incentives offered by Puget Sound Energy’s Energy Efficiency program.
Spearheaded by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s Safety and Security Subcommittee, the downtown lighting project enlists volunteers to conduct lighting audits that identify missing lightbulbs, dark sections of sidewalks, and whether storefront interior lights are left on after closing to help deter crime. This information is then shared with the business owner to encourage best practices and
connect them with opportunities to upgrade their lighting at little or no cost. PSE-qualified service technicians provide the comprehensive lighting review and options for the subsidized upgrades.
The project is designed to help alleviate light pollution by adding more dark-sky compliant, warmer-toned and energy-efficient lights while also helping people feel more comfortable downtown at night.
“Making it easy and affordable for our downtown businesses to upgrade their lighting will have a lasting impact on how downtown both looks and feels,” Marissa McGrath, DBP Operations and Development Director said. “This project takes the guesswork out of lighting and we’re excited to help our businesses get started.”
Upgrading and expanding downtown lighting creates a more inviting environment for residents, employees and visitors and helps foster commerce and tourism during the evening hours, McGrath said.
Several downtown businesses have already participated in the project, receiving both a lighting audit and improvements to equipment.
For more information or to assist or participate in the program, contact the Downtown Bellingham Partnership at info@downtownbellingham.com or 360-5278710.
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About the Downtown Bellingham Partnership: the Downtown Bellingham Partnership is a nonprofit organization that works to enhance, promote, and advocate for a vibrant city center in downtown Bellingham.
