Mayor Ron Kim and Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi announced that the City of Saratoga Springs completed its purchase of cobra head street lights, which will convert the City’s street lights to LED, dark-sky compliant fixtures. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will manage the upgrade of the street lights through a contract with the construction management firm Guth DeConzo, with the entire project slated for completion by June.
Mayor Kim states, “We are thrilled to have completed this sale as it allows us to replace our street lights with energy efficient LED technology, reduce street light energy use by as much as 65%, provide a safer and well-lit community, and reduce energy use.”
Commissioner Sanghvi adds, “We’re taking a major step toward reducing the city’s carbon footprint, and we’re also realizing financial benefits. In addition to using less energy, this project will generate an estimated total annual cost savings of $270,820.”
With these new street lights, the City can also decide to install “Smart City,” technology at any time. This technology will allow the City to enhance public safety with cameras, install traffic management devices to facilitate traffic flow, and use smart parking devices which can interface with smart phone apps allowing resident and visitor parking in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Kim and Sanghvi thank the following individuals for their dedication to this project. Previous Administrator of Parks, Open Space, and Historic Preservation, Tina Carton spearheaded the project which was completed by current Administrator of Parks, Open Space, and Historic Preservation, Jen Dunn, and Deputy Commissioner of Finance, Heather Crocker. City Attorneys Tony Izzo and Michael Phillips, City Electrician Dan Rancour, Business Manager Mike Veitch, Engineer Debbie LeBreche, and Commissioner Jason Golub also provided great help in getting this project over the finish line.