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Derby Area Solar Lighting Feasibility Discussion
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Summary and Background Information:
The historic Derby Downtown District is an important part of Commerce City’s identity - both past and future. Longtime residents recall its heyday as a bustling activity center during the 1950s and 1960s, while current residents and business owners see its vast potential to once again become an important community hub. Revitalizing the district, re-establishing it as a destination and enhancing its visibility are just some of the goals of the Derby Master Plan as envisioned by the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority. In 2018, the city approved a plan to upgrade both street lighting and signage elements in the Derby Downtown District. Improved lighting will make the district safer and more welcoming, and will contribute to the area’s unique identity within Commerce City. Before new lighting can be installed, the CCURA will need to determine if solar or standard electricity will be used to power the bulbs. In order to help determine feasibility for using solar power for street lights, staff has reached efficiency, associated costs, and has reached out to several municipalities to request their experiences with solar energy. Staff's primary areas of concern are as follows:
1) Concern over reliability during snowy days and long periods of overcast
2) Concern over panel stability during high winds
3) Concern over reaching CDOTs standards for major roadways
4) Will likely not illuminate as well or as long during the night
5) Will require modifying the light poles identified for re-use
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Roger Tinklenberg, Interim City Manager
Staff Member Presenting: Jenna Lowery, Management Analyst II
Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend utilizing solar energy for the Derby Downtown District, but does recommend solar power for the entryway sign.