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<\/a>This program installs state-of-the-art LED decorative lights in trees along such key corridors as B Street, Market, C Street and others.<\/p>\n
In all, close to 300 trees in Downtown have been wrapped with twinkle lights, helping make our streets and sidewalks safer and more inviting.<\/p>\n
And things will only get brighter.<\/p>\n
Starting in January, the Clean & Safe team \u2014 in partnership with the Gaslamp Quarter Association \u2014 will light up trees on Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues from Broadway to L Street, bringing even more ambience and illumination to Downtown.<\/p>\n
But this tree-lighting program is more than meets the eye. It\u2019s not just about ambience; it\u2019s about economic development and improving safety.<\/p>\n
A review of lighting studies in the United States and United Kingdom found that crime decreased by 21 percent in areas that experienced street lighting improvements.<\/p>\n
Studies have also shown that lighting programs make people feel safer so they are more apt to walk down a well-lit street. More foot traffic means more businesses for our shops and restaurants in Downtown, helping improve our local economy.<\/p>\n This tree-lighting program also shows property owners and businesses that we are committed to investing and improving our Downtown.<\/p>\n The recent tree-lighting program along C Street is a great example of how that investment is paying dividends Downtown.<\/p>\n We partnered with The Local to hold a fundraiser for the C Street tree lighting project, raising almost $3,500 from Downtown community members. The Downtown Partnership and our Business Improvement District contributed to the project, and the City of San Diego and business owners along C Street also stepped up to the plate. These businesses included Trilogy Management, the California Theater, Sycuan, HP Investors, Emmes Realty, Hines and LWP Group.<\/p>\n The result is that 83 trees \u2014 from Front Street to Eighth Avenue \u2014 now light C Street and the result is truly transformative.<\/p>\n For the first time in a long time, C Street seems alive and inviting at night. The new energy provides a platform to attract more private investment, luring new visitors and businesses to the area.<\/p>\n So when it comes to revitalizing C Street, I hope everyone sees light.<\/p>\n Love the tree-lighting program?<\/b><\/p>\n It wouldn\u2019t have happened without Downtown\u2019s Clean & Safe program. Help us renew the Clean & Safe program so we can keep Downtown bright and beautiful for many years to come.<\/p>\n If you are a Downtown property owner, we need you to sign a petition of support from renewing the Clean & Safe program. To find out how you can support the program renewal efforts, please contact Greg Parkington at gparkington@downtownsandiego.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a>
(Courtesy SDDP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n