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:

1. Safety first – Lighting is most needed on dark streets, sidewalks, and bus stops, especially 16th Street S near the park.
2. Right light for the right place – Brighter, cooler lights on main corridors; softer, warmer lights in neighborhoods and side
3. Shielding & focus – Fixtures should direct light down onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or the sky (to reduce glare, light pollution, and ecological impact).
4. Design matters – Preference for neighborhood-friendly styles (like Arlington Village or Columbia Pike’s old-style LEDs), not harsh “cobra”
5. 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:

1. 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
2. Shield and focus lights – Fixtures should direct light onto streets/sidewalks, not into homes or upward (reduce glare and light pollution).
3. Neighborhood-friendly design – Favor warm, softer lights in residential areas; keep brighter, cooler lights on main
4. 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