Township Passes New Neighborhood Lighting Standards

The Township Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance that will improve lighting standards for new residential neighborhoods.

South Brunswick previously adhered to the national standard for street lighting, but the code left some residents concerned about inadequate illumination on township roadways.

"We had relied on the state law, but we found that the state law's standards were inadequate to illuminate what we think is proper," said Township Attorney Don Sears.

Township Planner Bryan Bidlack said the new standards for developments will provide for minimum and maximum lighting illumination for streetlights, multi-family residential lots, commercial parking lots, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. The standards also eliminate light spillage onto adjacent properties.

"This will give some more lighting to any new developments that are taking place," said Mayor Frank Gambatese.

The ordinance states that the maximum height of freestanding lights should not exceed 25 feet, or the height of any adjacent building. The maximum height for streetlights is not permitted to exceed 30 feet.

"We're trying to eliminate the gaps within developments. We're not trying to brighten things up too much, but we want to alleviate safety hazards," said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz. "There are obviously some safety risks associated with tripping on the sidewalk in some of the more poorly lit areas.”

The township also hopes the new lighting standards will aid in crime prevention. , police often receive valuable tips from observant residents that have led to a number of arrests. 

Burglaries increased steadily over the last few years in town. In 2007, there were 41 reported burglaries, which increased to 60 reported in 2008, to 79 reported in 2009, and finally to 99 reported in 2010.

“From a crime prevention standpoint this is really important,” Schmalz said. “We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears when they see something suspicious to report to police. They need to be able to see the colors of clothing and vehicles."