UCC discusses lighting :

Changes in the community's lighting system were opposed in the Urbana City Council meeting Monday evening. Changes in low-income housing distinctions were also discussed.

Four community members spoke to the council about new lights on Florida Avenue. Currently, incandescent lamps line the streets, which are shorter and less bright than the proposed metal halide lamps.

Phil Miller, a resident of Florida Avenue, said he is in opposition to the new "halogen style" lights because it would adversely alter the look and feel of the area.

Miller added that residents did not know about the plan until three weeks ago, when a letter was sent to each home on the avenue. He said the initial project to change the lighting system was passed by the council in 1995, but there has been a nearly 100 percent turnover rate in residents on the avenue.

Greg Maxson, community member, also said he was against the new lighting project.

The new lights, not yet installed, "are more conducive to large shopping malls, and will negatively impact our standard of living," Maxson said.

William Gray, director of Urbana Public Works department, said the project is not located solely on Florida Avenue, but spread throughout the city, including areas on Vine Street and Washington Street.

The system currently used is obsolete and hard to maintain, and some parts are no longer available, Gray added.

The council also discussed an analysis of the various impediments to fair housing choice — which concerns the choosing between various types of low-income housing.

Alderwoman Esther Patt recommended several changes to the ordinance, including adding Urbana distinctions to the federal specifications in housing, such as physical handicap.

The council recommended to send the ordinance to Council with the changes Patt specified. They will vote on whether to approve the changes on October 20.

— Whitney Trumble