Bradenton prepares to finalize Village of the Arts lighting project

BRADENTON -- The city of Bradenton released an invitation to bid Thursday for installation of 53 new historic-style light poles in Village of the Arts.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will take place at 2 p.m. March 9 at the public works building, 1411 Ninth St. W. Bids are due by 2 p.m. March 25.

According to Public Works Director Jim McLellan, the city wants the lights installed within 90 days of selecting a contractor.

"We are hoping to have someone on board by April and we expect a three-month work schedule," said McLel

lan.

The $291,000 project is being funded through the city Community Development Block Grant program. The project also included retrofitting 125 existing lights with light-emitting diode fixtures, which began late last year and concluded in December.

"That work was done by our crews as they had time," said McLellan. "They started in September and finished in December. We prepurchased the new poles to save money and have them ready to go."

Village Mystic owner Dawn Collins said lighting conditions have dramatically improved since the retrofitting.

"It's much brighter already," said Collins. "The previous lights emitted this dim yellow light that wasn't very effective. I know my customers definitely feel safer when parking their cars on the street. It's a safer environment and I believe it will make everyone feel more comfortable."

The lighting project is considered to be a key component to adding extra security to the neighborhood.

"It has helped a lot," said McLellan. "We've gotten a lot of compliments from the business owners."

Once the new lights are installed, the city will begin painting all light poles magenta as voted on by business owners.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 11:53 PM with the headline "Bradenton prepares to finalize Village of the Arts lighting project ."