Hometown Happenings: A Brighter Clarkstown: Half Way Done

BY GEORGE HOEHMANN
SUPERVISOR, TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN

It’s starting to get darker earlier this month. That’s the first sign that the kids will be heading back to school soon. But there’s a reason why I’m a little excited that it is: Seeing our new LED lights come on!

Two months ago, I announced that Clarkstown was leading the county in converting all town-owned streetlights to LEDs. And in just two short months, we have converted half of the scheduled conversions. 

The town is converting nearly 3,900 current traditional fixtures with far more energy efficient LED bulbs, which emit light from all directions, use at least 75 percent less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Aside from their efficiency, the new LED fixtures will provide residents with better quality lighting throughout the town, leading to safer roads and neighborhoods.  

You may have seen our contractor, All Bright Electric, working in your neighborhoods.  To date, they have converted almost 2,000 street lights to LEDs. We’ve changed lights in Central Nyack, West Nyack, Nanuet, Valley Cottage and are just about done with Congers. Next week, we’ll be starting our work in New City. 

I’ve received positive feedback from many residents so far who’re happy with the new, brighter lights and are even happier when they hear about the cost savings and environmental benefits.  

By the end of the conversion, Clarkstown will reduce its carbon emissions by 979 metric tons per year. That’s the equivalent of taking 207 cars off the road every year or 106 homes’ energy use for an entire year. 

The economic savings are even better. This project will save us nearly $1,000,000 per year–a huge win for the taxpayers. And because this project is financed by the New York Power Authority, Clarkstown will not incur any debt on the project.  

I couldn’t be more proud of this initiative, both for our taxpayers and for future generations. We’ve done a lot to reduce costs, streamline our budget, cut waste and protect our environment. Converting to LEDs means cleaner energy and less tax dollars. And that’s a bright idea.

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