Downtown Modesto lighting project gets harsh reception but initial OK. Council has final say

Modesto may provide a $251,000 grant to Visit Modesto to improve the lighting at 10th and J streets. Proponents say the pilot program will make one of downtown’s major intersections brighter and safer and will draw more people to the city center.

The City Council’s Economic Development Committee voted 3-0 on Monday to forward the proposal to the full council for approval. The $251,000 is from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The city received nearly $46 million from the 2021 federal pandemic relief act. The $251,000 is from the $700,000 the city set aside from the act for downtown beautification.

The project includes realigning the streetlight poles at the intersection and stringing as many as two dozen thin cables of lights from pole to pole. The cables would cross the intersection at diagonals as well as run above the crosswalks.

While the committee was unanimous, it came after several objections. Councilman and committee member Eric Alvarez initially said the design looked industrial. “I agree at night it will look amazing,” he said, “but it will be an eyesore during the daytime.”

But after hearing from the project’s proponents, he voted in favor, saying he believed the project would help beautify downtown.

Councilwoman Rosa Escutia-Braaton, who is not a member of the committee, said while she appreciated the effort of Visit Modesto and its partners, she could not support the project when it came to the council. She described the design as “alarming” and said it did “not feel quiet and peaceful.”

Modesto resident Emerson Drake was more blunt. He described the project as ugly, evoking an old-fashioned telephone switchboard with dozens of cables.

Lighting in 15-20 other cities was reviewed

Visit Modesto has worked with the Downtown Improvement District, the Downtown Modesto Partnership and several local businesses, including Collins Electrical, on this project. A city report says proponents have spent two years on this and “contributed $44,834 in topographical work, engineering plans, renderings, and tests.” Former Councilman and structural engineer Brad Hawn designed the lighting.

Visit Modesto CEO Todd Aaronson said in an interview that the design is based on a review of downtown lighting in 15 to 20 cities, including San Luis Obispo, West Hollywood and Phoenix. Visit Modesto was once known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The $251,000 is expected to cover the cost of completing the project, with Collins Electrical doing the work at cost. Hawn said in an interview that the project will be permitted and inspected by the city.

While the city will pay for powering the streetlights, Aaronson said his organization will raise $5,000 annually for any repairs and maintenance. He said the lights come with a five-year warranty.

Collins Electrical CEO Brian Gini told committee member that he understands “some people will throw rocks at the design. But also some people will say we put some thought into this.” Gini said projects like this one are important in making downtown more attractive and that will help attract doctors and other professionals to live in Modesto.

The project also helps light up a downtown that is dimly lit at night.

Councilman and committee chairman Chris Ricci called the public comment on the proposal a “great conversation” and applauded the proponents backers. “I love the big swing.”

Mayor and committee member Sue Zwahlen said: “It’s unique. I love the lights, and I’m excited about what this will bring to our downtown. ... It’s a little risky to do something that’s not been done before.”

Aaronson said in an interview that city staff told him the proposal is expected to come to the City Council in April. If approved, he said work is expected to start in early summer and be completed by late summer.

He said if the project sets a standard for lighting, he envisions redoing the lighting at other downtown intersections, though with designs that are not as elaborate.