In contrast to some opinions recently expressed regarding the new streetlights in Chestnut Hill, we have been pleasantly surprised by both the level and quality of lighting provided by the new LED lights on our block of Roanoke Street. 

 It is now a joy to walk the street at night. While the previous high pressure sodium lights bathed the street in an unpleasant orange yellow cast that drained color from everything it touched, the whiter light of the new lights provide a much more accurate color rendition.  Sidewalks and street surfaces appear lighter, trees in leaf now actually appear green rather than brown, and one can distinguish between the color of cars and other objects, an important factor for pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety and personal security. 

 Anyone wishing to see the two systems together should visit the 7900 and 8000 blocks of Crefeld Street. The 7900 block (as of this date) is still illuminated with the old high pressure sodium lights while the 8000 block has the new LED lights. The better color rendition of the new lights should be obvious. While some commentators have complained that the lights are too “blue,” the color temperature of the new lights at 4000K is exactly the same as the color temperature of moonlight. While moonlight is relatively cool, most people do not object to moonlight, and we are not aware of modern scientific studies that suggest moonlight is dangerous to human health or the health of plants and animals.  

While there is a legitimate ongoing debate within the international street lighting community over whether 3000K or 4000K LED lights are better, there is little debate about the fact that either one would provide a better light than the previous high pressure sodium lights.  An online survey of 128 self‐selected respondents on the issue should not necessarily be regarded as representing the opinions of the broader Chestnut Hill Community.

John R. Gibbons

Chestnut Hill