Work continues on lighting area streets

Progress continues in the University's recently announced "UC Brite" program -- designed to improve lighting throughout University City -- according to the initiative's manager, Esaul Sanchez. Sanchez said the University is currently working to improve lighting in nine of the area's 63 city blocks -- including densely populated student areas on 42nd and Osage streets, as well as 44th and Pine streets. "The community is embracing the program and the program is starting to take off," he added. The plan, which the University announced last December, aims to place new lights on every house in the area, in hopes that added light will help improve safety. Residents who participate in the program elect a "block captain" who meets with Sanchez to devise the optimal strategy for lighting the block. The residents are responsible for paying for the replacement lights, but are reimbursed for half of the costs through a $25,000 fund donated jointly by the University, Campus Apartments, University City Housing, University Enterprises and Allen Klein Properties. When the program was first announced last December, University and city officials maintained that the actual cost to residents who replaced their lights would be minimal. They explained that each new light -- which could be installed in as little as one hour --should cost between $25 and $50, while electricity for a single light should average approximately $12 per year. For his part, Sanchez said he is determined to improve University City lighting "in six months or less." "My vision is to get this done before the long days of summer come by," he added. Sanchez described UC Brite as an effort to make the area safer and more attractive. He said he initiated the program after the murder of Medical Center researcher Vladimir Sled earlier this fall. Sanchez and his family live close to the murder scene at 44th and Larchwood streets. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said "lights do decrease crime." She added that UC Brite strives for "consistency" in lighting, with a goal of lining streets with identical lights to eliminate shadowy areas that invite crime. The 4100 block of Pine Street -- which was the first street to replace its lighting as part of the program -- has been lit for over a month. But College senior Jon Gaffin, who lives on the 4000 block of Pine Street, said he "hadn't noticed" any lighting improvements in the area. Scheman explained that the lighting initiatives will be more noticeable after all the the area's blocks have been lit. Sanchez and Scheman agreed that crime reduction is not the program's only benefit and stressed that UC Brite has also helped to improve community relations. "I think this is a step towards something bigger -- towards building a vibrant urban neighborhood," Sanchez said. He added that although UC Brite may be a "small victory," residents he spoke with were excited about improving the neighborhood. And Spruce Hill Community Association President Patrick Starr said he was "sure" the UC Brite lighting initiatives would "improve the community." The association represents residents living from 40th to 46th streets between Market and Woodland streets. "We're already making referrals to [Sanchez]," Starr said. "People see it as something to do that will help." Sanchez said he is glad that West Philadelphia residents are helping themselves instead of relying solely on increased security measures. "It's a very naive concept to feel that you can put an officer on every block," Sanchez said. "I don't want to live in a prison yard."