GHI Approves Replacing Vandalized Lights and Elects Officers

Greenbelt Homes, Incorporated (GHI) is considering the installation of light fixtures on 10-foot poles near a walkway between the 14 and 16 courts on Ridge Road to replace vandalized lights that are already there.

Assistant general manager of GHI, Eldon Ralph estimates the new lights will cost $4,000. He said since pagoda lights were first installed there in 1998, they’ve been vandalized. The current plan is to install lights high enough that they will be out of reach.

The issue was discussed at the GHI Board of Directors meeting Thursday, the first led by the new officers. If the lights are installed, the board anticipates complaints from nearby residents about the new “light pollution.”

“I believe we have to strike some kind of balance” between member irritation and maintaining well-lit walkways, said board member David Morse.

Before taking action, GHI will consult with members, Ralph said after the meeting. “If they’re concerned, we’ll try to work with them."

The fixtures would replace the bollard lights that were installed there in 2005 for about $7,000. “[Bollard lights are] supposed to be vandalism proof,” Ralph said, noting the stronger foundation and aluminum casing. The bollard lights have had to be repaired frequently from vandalism, though not as often as the pagoda lights that preceded them.

Board director Irv Wartell asked Ralph if he had considered installing surveillance cameras at the location. Ralph said he had not. Mayor Judith Davis, who was present at the meeting, said that cameras in other parts of Greenbelt have helped mitigate vandalism, but haven’t deterred it entirely.

Appointed at the meeting's start, GHI's new Board officers approval to move forward with the lighting was one of their first acts. Outgoing vice president Tokey Boswell ran unopposed for president, replacing Suzette Agans. Ed James will continue his tenure as secretary. He also ran unopposed.

A secret ballot gave Laura Moore the win for vice president over Bill Jones, who then tied Chuck Hess in a race for treasurer. The board was determining who would serve as interim treasurer until another vote could take place, when in a surprise move, Jones withdrew his candidacy.

“That was very generous,” said outgoing treasurer, Sylvia Lewis, who for the first time in 11 years sat among the general audience for the board meeting.