FREEPORT– Freeport may pull the plug on 25 streetlights, but add a half-dozen more.

The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding a recommendation from the Traffic and Parking Committee regarding changes to existing streetlights on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.

According to a memo by Town Manager Dale Olmstead, the committee was originally considering removing 45 streetlights, but reduced that number to 25 after holding a public hearing on the matter on June 14. The lights to be removed are on Route 1 North, Durham Road, True Street, Independence Drive, Concord Road, Stonewood Drive, Old South Freeport Road, Flying Point Road, Oak Street, Deerfield Road, South Freeport Road, Pine Street, South Street, Porter’s Landing Road and Lower Flying Point Road.

The town is looking to eliminate some streetlights that it deems unnecessary in an effort to save money. According to the town’s municipal street lighting report, the existing streetlights are contracted with the Central Maine Power on a monthly lease basis. Eliminating unnecessary lights would save the monthly lease cost associated with these lights, which range from $8.01 to $18.84 per light.

At the same time, the committee has determined that several places in town needed streetlights to improve public safety. The areas include two on Bow Street, the intersection of Justin’s Way and Snow Road, another one on Snow Road, two on Kendall Lane and on at the intersection of Main and Bow streets.

According to the town’s streetlighting policy, before it can take any action on the committee’s recommendations, the Town Council must hold a public hearing to get input on any proposed changes.


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