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Cash-Strapped Cities Turn Off Lights

Pedestrians, drivers complain.

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Corbis

As city revenues around the country continue to decline, some governments are literally turning off the lights. Highland Park, Mich., scrapped two thirds of its street lights. Cities in California, Oregon, Minnesota, and Illinois have taken similar measures. Unlike other recent cuts to city services, the outtages are obvious to everyone, and citizens are unhappy. Some are complaining about being afraid to walk around at night and being surprised by cars. Drivers complain they can't see pedestrians. “It’s just too dark,” said a Highland Park resident. “I come out of the church and I can’t see what’s in front of me.

Read it at The New York Times

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