Morven streets receive cheaper, brighter lights

MORVEN — If you have noticed a brighter Morven in the past week, you can thank Morven Councilwoman Corinthia Lewis-Lemon.

Lewis-Lemon noticed there were some days she wished to take a walk to the park, but hesitated because of how dark the roads get at night.

“I want the lights to be on so people won’t be afraid to go out and walk,” Lewis-Lemon said. “Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our residents.”

Some lights were dim and others have been blown out for months, according to the councilwoman. So it was time she needed to take it upon herself to seek out a solution.

“I’m new to the town council and I guess because I’m new, I have more energy and I see different things that need change,” Lewis-Lemon said.

A change as simple as a light.

She called Duke Energy to inquire about changing the old halogen street lights to something brighter.

As it turns out, replacing the halogen lights to LED lights would make the bill cheaper. About $200 to $300 cheaper, according to Lewis-Lemon. Plus, Duke Energy offered to change out the lights for free.

“Sign Morven up!” Lewis-Lemon said. “We need them!”

Lewis-Lemon drove through the town, writing down all the pole numbers that would need to be changed, passed it along to the company and then waited for a brighter city.

But in true 2020 fashion, the update was delayed due to the shutdown and a tornado, until this past week.

“I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to drive through the town to see all the lights!” Lewis-Lemon said.

Duke Energy informed the council woman it would be a long process in changing all the lights over, especially now as employees are working on areas affected by the recent hurricane. But, the change has started.

As of now, the Town Council has not decided where the saved money will go towards, according to Lewis-Lemon.