Residents want street lighting that improves safety while using modern, well-designed fixtures that protect neighborhood character, reduce light pollution, and respect nearby homes.
Positive Example & Design Preferences
Lighting along Barton and 16th Streets in Arlington Village seen as a model: well-spaced, safe, and preserves neighborhood character.
- Preference for old-style LED lights with warm glow, tilted wands, and adjustable lumens instead of harsh “cobra” lights.
- Support for continuing original Columbia Pike design
- Side streets should have softer, warmer lighting; brighter/cooler lights only for main corridors.
Safety Concerns
- 16th Street S near the park is dangerously dark and needs a
- Lighting should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops for pedestrian safety.
- Walkers at night value lighting but dislike overly bright “spotlight”
Light Pollution & Residential Impact
- Strong concerns about lights shining into homes; desire for shielded/focused fixtures.
- Requests for shades or coverings to reduce glare, skyglow, and ecological impacts.
- No upward-radiating lights; only downward-focused
- Balance between safety and preserving nighttime
Technology & Style Suggestions
- Use latest lighting technology: efficient, directional, and
- Mix of blue/white lights for efficiency on main streets and warm/yellow lights in neighborhoods.
- Consider lessons from Reston’s softer approach to neighborhood
- Improve durability of light pole bases against dog
General Sentiments
- Desire for both safety and
- Frustration with past “wars” over LED lighting
- Some neighbors express trust in the process even without strong
Here are the top 5 takeaways from the comments:
- Safety first – Lighting is most needed on dark streets, sidewalks, and bus stops, especially 16th Street S near the park.
- Right light for the right place – Brighter, cooler lights on main corridors; softer, warmer lights in neighborhoods and side
- Shielding & focus – Fixtures should direct light down onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or the sky (to reduce glare, light pollution, and ecological impact).
- Design matters – Preference for neighborhood-friendly styles (like Arlington Village or Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs), not harsh “cobra”
- Balance & trust – Residents value safety but want ambiance preserved; many trust the county will be responsive in
Summarize: Should the lighting design differ between main corridors (e.g., Columbia Pike, Walter Reed Drive) and residential side streets?
Out of 78 responses:
- 32 said Yes (41%) – lighting design should differ between main corridors and residential side streets.
- 46 said No (59%) – lighting design should not
Overall, a majority (about 59%) prefer a consistent lighting design, while about 41% support different designs for corridors vs. neighborhoods.
Here’s a summary of the Additional Comments or Suggestions:
Key Themes
1. Safety Concerns
- Lighting needed at Walter Reed/16th Street S intersection
and 16th Street S near the park (dangerous, poor visibility).
- Lights should focus on streets, sidewalks, steps, and bus stops.
2. Lighting Quality & Technology
- Strong preference for shielded, focused lights that illuminate streets/sidewalks without shining into homes.
- Support for modern LED designs that adjust brightness based on time of night.
- Request for shades or coverings to reduce glare and light
3. Neighborhood Character
- Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LED lighting
Praised as good examples.
- Desire to avoid harsh, utilitarian “cobra” lights that harm neighborhood ambiance.
- Call for soft, warm lights in residential areas and brighter, cooler lights only on main corridors.
4. Balance of Safety & Ambiance
- Too-bright “spotlight” style lighting makes some feel less safe.
- Residents value a blend of safety and aesthetics, with softer neighborhood lighting.
- Some reference Reston’s softer, less intense lighting approach as a model.
5. Other Practical Notes
- Request for clear reporting method for burned-out fixtures.
- Concern about light pole bases being damaged by dogs.
- Frustration that lighting changes (like LED rollouts) become
“moving targets” with neighborhood disputes.
Overall sentiment: Residents want safe, well-placed lighting that uses modern, shielded technology while preserving neighborhood character, reducing light pollution, and avoiding overly bright fixtures near homes.
Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from the additional comments:
- Safety first – Add lighting at dark spots (e.g., Walter Reed/16th St S, 16th St S near the park) and focus on sidewalks, steps, and bus
- Shield and focus lights – Fixtures should direct light onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or upward (reduce glare and light pollution).
- Neighborhood-friendly design – Favor warm, softer lights in residential areas; keep brighter, cooler lights on main
- Preserve character – Models like Arlington Village and Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs are preferred over harsh “cobra” lights.
Practical improvements – Easier way to report outages, use durable light poles, and avoid overly