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Highland Park to illuminate streets with solar lights

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – For more than 12 years, Highland Park residents have lived without streetlights.

This past summer, we highlighted the issue during our “24 Hours in Highland Park” project.

Neighborhood leaders have long pushed for change, asking for help to light up their streets. Community leaders announced Tuesday, Jan. 28, a plan to install solar lights in the city.

At a special news conference, Mayor Glenda McDonald outlined plans to revitalize the city. Among the priorities discussed was the need for streetlights to support safety and development.

“Highland Park is on the move. We are in motion, and we are going to build this city back,” McDonald said.

The plan calls for installing 40 to 50 solar lights, funded by grant money, by the end of 2026.

“It’s not easy to do because we need to make sure it won’t cost our citizens a lot extra,” McDonald said.

Mama Shu Harris, a neighborhood leader featured in our summer project, has been advocating for a safer community since her son was murdered on Highland Park streets -- a crime that remains unsolved.

“I’m really big on safety in the community,” Harris said. “I think it’s a step in the right direction to get Highland Park relit.”

“It’s not safe. You hear people talking about development -- how can you attract development if you don’t have safety?” asked Damon Garret, Highland Park Water Director. “So getting these lights on his huge in terms of getting people to the city.”

In addition to the solar lighting project, another major announcement was made at the news conference: a $5 million master meter water project funded by the state of Michigan.

Construction on the new water meters will begin in early February.

The master meter project addresses long-standing billing discrepancies that left many residents overpaying for water. For the first time in years, the city will have measured units of water coming into Highland Park, potentially resulting in significant savings for residents.

Currently, many residents pay $100 or more per month for water, regardless of their usage — an amount that is unsustainable for many households.

As for the solar lights, DTE Energy has confirmed they are partnering with Highland Park to explore potential lighting solutions.

While 50 solar lights won’t solve all of Highland Park’s issues, it marks a critical first step in restoring light to a city that has been in the dark for over a decade.


About the Authors
Karen Drew headshot

Karen Drew is the anchor of Local 4 News First at 4, weekdays at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. She is also an award-winning investigative reporter.

Dane Kelly headshot

Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.

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