Chicago Streetlight Modernization Program Update

One of Milhouse’s key programs with the city of Chicago is the Streetlight Modernization Program. When completed, 270,000 of Chicago’s high-pressure sodium lights will be replaced with high efficiency LED fixtures at an estimated cost of $160 million. Today marked the kick off for the next phase of the program, which includes the installation of 40,000 new LED streetlights on the far South Side, Near West Side and North Side.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel toured the Lyons View manufacturing plant on the West Side on Wednesday, where more than half of the lights used in the program’s first year were assembled. The plant has been able to grow and add jobs because of the lighting program, some to ex-offenders and the disadvantaged, according to the mayor’s office.

The Mayor watched as light fixtures were assembled, tested and installed, surrounded by the project team.

The Milhouse field team included Angelique James, Josh Pifke, Joey Anderson, Jules Williams-Lambert and Craig Turner, Program Manager. They are responsible for the supervision, coordination, inspection, and documentation of the LED conversion and Target Infrastructure Stabilization Repairs. The team also manages all public relations for the program with the city stakeholders.

Part of those responsibilities include creation and maintenance of the project website, designing materials for distribution to residents and businesses, and creating exhibits for public meetings.

Upon the conclusion of the press event and project updates, the Mayor was happy to sign photographs for several Milhouse team members and pose with the project team.

Watch the Mayor’s speech: https://youtu.be/BKzPV-rDAIc

Track the installation of the streetlights here: http://chicagosmartlighting.org