Seward Lights Up Downtown Oneonta

James L. Seward

September 20, 2013

ONEONTA, 09/20/13 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that a $250,000 legislative grant he secured will fund a major streetlight replacement project in downtown Oneonta. 

“The City of Oneonta is in the midst of a complete downtown renaissance – new merchants, new residents, new storefronts and new infrastructure,” said Senator Seward. “This legislative grant will assist in the redevelopment and translates to a greener downtown through energy efficiencies and cost savings.” 

The legislative grant obtained by Senator Seward, included in a 2012 senate resolution, is being used to replace outdated high pressure sodium street lights with new energy-efficient LED fixtures. The new “green” fixtures will provide substantial energy savings for the City of Oneonta and will also reduce long-term maintenance costs. 

City of Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller said, “My thanks to Senator Seward for helping brighten downtown Oneonta. The grant means immediate savings for property taxpayers that will continue to add up every time the lights turn on. This project maintains our historic appearance while adding a modern element that helps showcase why people choose to live and work here.” 

“Downtown districts have fallen on tough times in many communities. To remain vibrant, you need to fill a niche and meet the blended needs of residential and business development. Oneonta offers such a winning mix and this street light replacement project will further illuminate all that is available downtown,” Seward concluded. 

The 146 LED light fixtures will be installed at a total cost of $257,654. A. Treffeisen & Son of Roundhouse Road of Oneonta is the electric contractor for the project and Drogen Electric Supply of Oneonta is the local supplier of the LED fixtures.

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