EDITORIAL: An impressive pilot program

The light-up effort that began with the 4100 block of Pine Street should be broadened. The Philadelphia Electric Company paid for the improvements on Pine. But city and other officials are so enthusiastic about the positive effects of sidewalk lighting that the University and four local landlords have committed a total of $25,000 to the project. In the coming months, these funds will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the costs incurred by area residents who want to upgrade the lighting on their blocks. Cost per light per year of electricity should be about $1 a month, hardly a steep price to pay for peace of mind. While the street-lighting program is just a pilot, it is one way the landlords who serve many students in University City can demonstrate their real and continuing concern for their tenants and for West Philadelphia's future vitality. Expanding the pilot program would also undoubtedly hearten the Greeks living on Walnut Street between 38th and 41st streets, who have been clamoring for more and better lighting for two years. And it would demonstrate the depth of the University's commitment to the livability of the area west of 40th Street. To reduce costs, blocks are being asked to work together on light installation. Encouraging such cooperation pushes students to meet their neighbors and generates mutual attachment to and pride in the neighborhood, all of which help to deter crime and improve quality of life. Still, the onus is on neighborhood landlords to begin putting their money into property improvements from which all community members can benefit, like these new sidewalk lights.