Community leaders and residents discuss more lighting in squares (Savannah: house, safety)

[Airforceguy]

I think more lighting, not just in the squares, but throughout certain areas of the city would help deter crime.

Community leaders say Monterey Square is a model for what they want other squares to look like. There are lights throughout the square and along the perimeter. There are also security cameras on some on the light poles in corner of the square.

WJCL spent the day talking to residents about lighting in downtown Savannah. Residents say the more lighting there is, the safer they feel.

John Grattan moved to Savannah a year ago with his wife and dogs. They spend split their time between North Carolina and Savannah. They say they love the layout of the city, it's part of the reason why they bought a house in downtown.

Residents agree the lights in the squares add to the city's ambiance. Those lights are dim and it's a safety concern among residents.

Tajuan Brantley says more light would highlight Savannah's beauty.

"Brighten it up, and you can see more of the charm," said Brantley.

Gratten says more lights would illuminate the city more. He just doesn't want it to be blinding.

"I think a little more light is probably a good thing as long as it doesn't make it look like daylight," said Grattan.

For residents the streets that are brighter are safer.

"Whenever we go to dinner we always take Bull Street because it's lit the best," said Grattan.

We talked to tour guides company who walk around the squares at night. Most companies agree more lights won't change much for them. Owner of Savannah Belle Walking Tours Michelle Freenor says the safety comes first.

"The lightening helps with the spookiness, but if you're really a good story teller you can tell a ghost story in the middle of the daytime," Freenor.

Community leaders and residents discuss more lighting in squares - Story | WJCL

[SavannahLife]

swapping the orange lights for the LEDs are a lot brighter and look much nicer. It actually looks so much nicer and more natural that going back into the orange areas is jarring.