Highland Park ‘A City In Motion’ Moves Forward with Lighting, Development, and Community Safety

(L-R) Mayor Glenda McDonald, Public Relations Director, LaKisha Brown, Director of Water Dept. Damon Garret 

Highland Park was plunged into darkness when budget cuts forced the city to lose two-thirds of its street lights over a decade ago. But not everyone was content to let the shadows take over. The power of community activism and donations were pulled together to rectify the problem, but that was not enough to sustain the neighborhood’s lost lights.

The Michigan Chronicle spent 24 hours in Highland Park in the Summer of 2024.

Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald and city officials highlighted that the wait is over during a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 28. City leaders gathered to announce a game-changing plan to install solar-powered streetlights, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community.

McDonald emphasized the critical role of lighting in improving public safety and reducing crime while addressing financial challenges. Brian Tell, COO of Solartonic, was present and supported the ongoing lighting solutions through collaborative efforts with the engineering department to get lighting back in the city.

“We’re working with DTE to see what they can do to help us along the way and not cost the citizens a great deal of money to put those lights back in,” McDonald said.

Also, releasing ambitious economic development projects and revitalization efforts to highlight Highland Park’s resilience, innovation, and rich history. With a renewed commitment to progress, city leaders emphasized that the city is not only rebuilding but also redefining its future, setting the stage for a new era of prosperity.

Emphasizing progress and opportunity, city officials’ strategic investments aimed at transforming Highland Park into a thriving hub for business and culture. Focusing on reshaping public perception, city leaders underscored their dedication to fostering economic growth, strengthening neighborhoods, and celebrating the city’s rich history.

Damon Garret, Director of the Water Department, highlighted master meters are underway and will be installed as early as the Spring of 2025, but also acknowledged that Highland Park has been void of public lighting for quite some time and that working with Solartonic to bring some solar solutions to the city is a priority.

“We’re hoping to get 50 lights installed in the city here in the next year or so,” Garret said.

Beyond lighting, Highland Park is advancing efforts to strengthen public safety, with the police department focused on fully staffing its force and reducing crime. Efforts to attract new businesses are also underway, and the city is exploring the renovation of the local library, pending the approval of a grant application.

During the Q&A session, concerns were raised about the specific locations of the new lights and the potential impact on water bills. Officials explained that the lighting plans are still in the preliminary stages, with a detailed map to be provided once the right-of-way application is submitted. On the issue of water billing, the city is installing three master meters to improve metering and billing, though the precise impact on residents’ bills remains under evaluation.

Police Chief James McMahon discussed that building partnerships in the Highland Park community will be imperative to move the community’s safety forward.

“We’re focused on transparency, and ultimately, we’re focused on collaborating with residents and forming partnerships to bring in new businesses and let businesses know that if they come to the city, we’re going to provide safety to them, and we’re looking forward to bringing in new business,” McMahon said.

Mayor McDonald acknowledged the city’s past challenges, including the recently resolved water litigations. Still, she stressed that the current developments are not merely proposals but concrete actions and have everyone’s full support.

“We have Wayne County here with us, our commissioner, we have our partners, and so they are at the table, the city, the state, is sitting, and all of our other partners are sitting and coming up with the ideas of how we can move this city forward,” McDonald said. 

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