Areas with vacant lots, poor lighting are target of South Bend's 2024 lamppost program

Jordan Smith, South Bend Tribune
·1 min read
93-year-old homeowner Roana Fenzau, right, has plenty of fun watching South Bend Mayor James Mueller and a city engineer install a solar-powered lamppost in her front yard. She's lived in her home in the Far Northwest neighborhood since 1970.
93-year-old homeowner Roana Fenzau, right, has plenty of fun watching South Bend Mayor James Mueller and a city engineer install a solar-powered lamppost in her front yard. She's lived in her home in the Far Northwest neighborhood since 1970.

SOUTH BEND — Homeowners can now apply for discounted solar-powered lampposts through a program that aims to brighten South Bend neighborhoods.

The city's Lamppost Lighting Program offers South Bend homeowners Gama Sonic Imperial III Solar Lantern lampposts that stand roughly seven feet tall and use LED lightbulbs. The lights are simple to install, featuring a hand auger that twists the lamppost into the ground. And they're made more affordable by city subsidies.

Residents pay only $50 if they live in one of two lower-income areas targeted by the city based on the number of vacant lots and the need for lighting. Homeowners outside those areas pay $250. The solar-powered lampposts cost the city $500 each, so both prices are heavily discounted.

The last day to apply for a solar-powered lamppost is May 31. The lampposts will be distributed at the Public Works Service Center, at 731 S. Lafayette Blvd., on June 27 and June 29. An application flyer and more information on how to apply can be found at southbendin.gov/lamppost.

Target area 1: River Park neighborhood

In this section of South Bend's River Park neighborhood, homeowners pay only $50 for a solar-powered lamppost through a city program.
In this section of South Bend's River Park neighborhood, homeowners pay only $50 for a solar-powered lamppost through a city program.

The first target area is in the River Park neighborhood, on South Bend's far east side. The area is bounded by 20th Street and Ironwood Drive to the west; Logan Street to the east; Jefferson Boulevard to the north; and Northside Boulevard to the south.

Target area 2: Near West Side neighborhood

In this section of South Bend's Near West Side neighborhood, homeowners pay only $50 for a solar-powered lamppost through a city program.
In this section of South Bend's Near West Side neighborhood, homeowners pay only $50 for a solar-powered lamppost through a city program.

The second target area is in the Near West Side neighborhood, just west of downtown South Bend. The area is bounded by College Street to the west; William Street to the east; Lincoln Way West to the north; and Western Avenue to the south.

Email city reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: How to get solar-powered lamppost in South Bend