DAYTON — The Oregon Historic District neighborhood will soon be able to complete a street lighting project that began in 1980.
The city of Dayton recently awarded them a $10,000 mini-grant that they planned to use to purchase and install the last few lights.
News Center 7’s Trinity Corbett was on Brown Street in the Oregon Historic District neighborhood.
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Neighbors will have a new streetlight to help keep their community safe.
“I’m a believer in lighting at night, and I think most people are, just helps you find your way,” said Gregory Smith, a neighborhood volunteer.
Smith has lived in the Oregon Historic District since the 70s.
Smith said he’s seen the neighborhood change a lot, and he’s seen the lighting project progress.
It started in 1980, and the City of Dayton helped them get it started.
“And we were awarded the grant of $50,000, and with that we were able to purchase 90 lighting units the actual streetlights,” Smith said.
Jana Fornario applied for the $10,000 mini-grant on behalf of the neighborhood; she said any of their neighbors value safety.
“And we asked people what’s top of mind for you, and they said they want our neighborhood to continue to be a safe and walkable community and our lights are an important part of that,” said Jana Fornario, Oregon Historic District Society Board Member.
Fornario said they’re grateful to the city for helping with the project, but it’s the neighborhood volunteers that play a big role.
“It’s two amazing volunteers that are really the ones who keep our lights alive and keep them beautiful and lit, Fornario said.
Smith has been the lighting chairman for the neighborhood since 1985.
Smith and his neighbor Andrew Steele work together to build and install the lights.
Smith said this grant will help them add four new lights, and they’re done.
“That’s the cool thing. It actually finally completes the projects. So it just gives you a real sense of satisfaction to know we finally got there. Well, we’re gonna get there,” Smith said.
Fornario said the project is set to be completed in 2027.
Smith said this will bring their total to 86 light poles, and this nearly 50-year project will be complete.
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