It’s been awhile since the subject of our neighborhood light project has been in the air. The City of Winter Park recently communicated with me and I met directly with Mr. Keith Moore of the planning department. The City has finally completed an initial review of our request to be considered for a neighborhood lighting project. It seems the city is now in gear to proceed subject to our continued support.

The initial project overview calls for approximately 22 decorative lamp posts to be evenly placed throughout the neighbor including the Cochise entry way. The city initially wanted to include the Park Pointe houses but after discussion agreed to petition them separately. Please recall a 2/3’s affirmative vote will be required to proceed.

Shortly, you will notice stakes throughout the neighborhood; these locations will denote the optimum locations as initially determined by the city. There will be a phone number and contact name attached to each stake to call if for some reason there is a distinct objection to the initial placement. This process is a give and take process based on resident input.

The City will be sending to each of us a detailed letter outlining the process by which the neighborhood and its individual homeowners are assessed for the installation and long term costs associated with this project. 1 ½ years ago the estimate was thought to be about $9-$11 per month, billed as a separate line item on each utility bill. It appears the cost has narrowed to a closer estimate of $8.50.

Upon receipt of this letter, we will have 30 days to respond with an affirmation or declination of the project. Assuming a 2/3’s affirmative vote by all households (approximately 50 homes) the project will proceed to the scheduling phase. It is quite possible this project could commence before year’s end.

This project includes the removal of the existing concrete lighting poles and the installation of 22 new decorative poles connected with underground wiring. Examples of the poles can be seen on New England Drive between Palmer and Webster and also on North Park Avenue.

Personally I am strongly in favor of this proposed project. The new lighting brings strong unification, safety and value enhancement to our properties. I realize there may be many questions in the foreseeable future and I offer my best efforts to address them as an intermediary to the city planning offices. I can be reached at home at 407-644-3237 or by email scottsieck@msn.com.