Residents Upset Over Street Light Safety Issues In Edmond

Michael Konopasek, News 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Residents in one metro subdivision said they're being left in the dark with a lack of street lights in their neighborhood.

They said not having enough lights is creating a safety concern that's falling on deaf ears with their homeowner's association. When night falls, it becomes darker than usual for one Edmond subdivision.

"I just feel stuck," one concerned resident said.

For quite some time, a resident who asked not to be identified has been calling on her homeowner's association to brighten her street. She has lived in the Trails South subdivision for 17 years but says there is more of a need for the lights now than ever before.

"I'm concerned about my safety," said the concerned resident. "One morning I got up a 5, came outside, and there was a strange car parked under my two trees … It was so dark, I couldn't tell if anyone was in it or not."

Her concerns are shared by others in the neighborhood who say they are not happy with the Homeowner Association's response.

"There's definitely not enough street lights," said Carol Ross. "In fact, I called the neighborhood association at one time about getting one on our corner."

Ross said the Trials South Homeowner's Association told her she would have to pay for it.

The association says nine lights have been added since the addition was built more than 30 years ago.

"Quite obviously, you're not going to please all 587 homeowners when you install these lights," said executive officer Kathryn Olds.

Olds said an extensive study was completed to determine where the lights should go.

"These lights were put in a location that the committee felt was at the best advantage for everyone," Olds said.

But, residents say there are still plenty of areas left in the dark.

"This part of the neighborhood is extremely dark at night," Ross said.

The homeowner's association said residents can purchase their own street light from the city, but residents say since they pay dues, the association should take care of it. The homeowner's association said if it installs more street lights, resident's fees will go up.