High-tech lights to be tested on boardwalk
System 'is above and beyond anything else in the industry'
Madison Marquette is set to test a lighting system on the boardwalk that is “more than just lights,” according to its director of retail services Carrie Turner.
Turner attended last week’s council meeting to pitch the lighting system to the governing body with the help of city engineer Joe Cunha and iStar Financial vice president of land Brian Cheripka. Madison Marquette, the boardwalk redeveloper, sought permission to install a few test lights on the waterfront.
The lights come from the Amerlux company, and the system is “above and beyond anything else in the industry,” Cunha said. The lights are similar to street lights and include an electronic banner which can be inscribed with computerized messages or advertisements. The lights are controlled wirelessly, so the police department “can tie in and set off emergency lighting,” Cunha said. It is also possible to install cameras in the lights.
“We’re trying to be prepared for next year,” Cheripka said. “The lights also have colors that can function as decorations, he added.
The 90-to-120-day test period will be free of charge to the city, Cheripka said.
The city’s normal bid process applies to the lighting program so after the test run, city officials will accept the lowest responsible bidder who fits all the criteria for the lights, which will not necessarily be Amerlux.
The lights are built to withstand heavy weather, Cunha said.
The test lights will be installed between Second and Third avenues. The boardwalk currently uses standard cobra-head lights, Cunha said. Those will be stored during the test period.
