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March 28, 2006
Hon. Margaret Forgione
Manhattan Borough Commissioner
NYC Dept. of Transportation
59 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
Dear Ms. Forgione,
Several years ago, GVBA representatives met with you to formulate a process to replace cobra head streetlights with “historic lighting”. Part of that formula included the Department of Transportation’s commitment to remove the cobra head lights and install “historic lights” at no charge if the “historic light” was purchased with private funds — a kind of matching program. Because of this program many cobra heads are replaced by bishop’s crooks in Greenwich Village. Villagers are pleased with the improvement of the streetscape where this change has been made.
We are recently informed, however, that a change in policy has been made. We understand that this “matching program” is no longer in effect; those raising private funds must also fund and arrange for removal/installation. Raising money to pay solely for the lights is difficult enough. If this change in policy remains in effect, it places an onerous burden on organizations raising money to replace their lights.
Apart from being a “penny wise and pound foolish” policy, it seems unfair to change the rules mid-project for organizations who are raising funds. Often, this takes a long while. If the policy is changed, the GVBA requests that the Department of Transportation revisit and reconsider it.
We believe that members of the Greenwich Village Block Associations should be “grandfathered” and they should be able to rely on the Department of Transportation to remove and replace streets at no charge when they are able to buy “historic lighting.” The ambiance of our neighborhood and the quality of our street lighting has been notably improved since this project has been in effect and we have appreciated the cooperation of the Department of Transportation.
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