Let there be light

Their streets darkened due to damaged street lights, some residents of Camden's Parkside neighborhood plan to protest what they insist is the unresponsiveness of PSE&G.

Organizers of a demonstration set for November 10 at City Hall say residents have tried to persuade the utility to replace the lights for four years.

According to a press release from neighborhood activists, residents have done everything from report pole numbers directly to PSE&G, to request that PSE&G officials come to a public meeting -- to no avail.

"Parkside residents are rallying their neighbors to demand that PSE&G fix dozens of dark and damaged streetlights that contribute to fear and crime in the neighborhood," the release states. "PSE&G is contributing to dangerous conditions in Camden by neglecting basic street light maintenance that could keep families safe."

Curious, I called the utility, which sent me this statement:

"PSE&G is aware of the street light issues in Camden. There are both regular wooden pole street lights and decorative street lights throughout the City of Camden. PSE&G repairs street lights on wooden poles within 3 to 5 business days. However, there is an issue with vandalism of the decorative light poles. PSE&G has repaired various decorative lights throughout the city several times.

"Because of repeated vandalism, PSE&G can no longer be responsible for these continued repairs. However, we are working with the Mayor's office to identify which decorative lights in the city can be retrofitted with a vandalism-resistant mechanism (doors) to deter vandals. The city would be responsible for the cost of the doors, and PSE&G would install the wiring. Some of the decorative lights in the City are a different style and are not able to be retrofitted with these doors at this time. These are the types of the lights in the Parkside section of the city."

The protesters plan to gather  outside City Hall before attending a meeting of the city council.