Enhancing Boca Grove: The Case for Upgrading Landscape Lighting

Boca Grove in Boca Raton is known for its beauty and sense of community. However, the current state of landscape lighting at both entrances fails to reflect the quality and safety standards residents expect. The outdated fixtures, many of which are broken, do not adequately illuminate these key areas, which is a growing concern as your community evolves.

The Need for Upgraded Lighting at Entrances

Both entrances to Boca Grove feature aging landscape lighting that no longer meets the needs of residents or visitors. Many fixtures are in disrepair, casting insufficient light and creating dark spots that can pose safety hazards. With changes in landscaping and community layout, the original placement of these lights has become ineffective. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient fixtures would not only enhance visibility and safety but also create an inviting atmosphere for everyone entering your community.

Addressing Specific Lighting Needs on Mandarin Blvd

When considering lighting improvements on Mandarin Blvd, it’s crucial to recognize that additional bollard lighting is unnecessary. The presence of existing post lights in the front yards of residences provides ample illumination for the area. Instead, our efforts should focus on replacing 13 additional streetlight heads on Mandarin Blvd to match the over 80 lights we propose to upgrade throughout Boca Grove Blvd and Whitaker Dr. The current streetlight heads project light outward rather than downward, resulting in inefficient lighting that fails to adequately illuminate pathways. Upgrading to fixtures that direct light downward will significantly enhance safety and visibility for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Strategic Approach to Future Lighting Needs

As we plan for the sidewalk expansion project, it is prudent to take a cautious approach regarding additional street lights. The costs associated with installing new lights can be significant. Therefore, we should first assess the lighting needs after the installation of bollards. This assessment will provide us with valuable insights into the effectiveness of the new lighting and help us make informed decisions about any additional lighting requirements.

Considerations for Valencia Dr

On Valencia Dr, the recommendation is to forgo adding new street lights due to the high costs associated with extending power and boring underground for each pole. Instead, a more efficient and cost-effective solution would be to pull power from an existing resident’s light pole on the south side. This would allow us to bore power to the north side and install low-voltage landscape lighting to highlight the existing landscaping. Utilizing high-powered low-voltage landscape lighting will provide significant ambient light, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area without the substantial costs associated with traditional street lighting.

Conclusion

In summary, upgrading the landscape lighting at Boca Grove’s entrances and along key roadways is essential for improving safety and enhancing the community’s visual appeal. The current outdated and broken fixtures do not meet the expectations of residents or the standards of a community like Boca Grove. By strategically focusing on necessary upgrades, such as replacing streetlight heads and implementing low-voltage landscape lighting, we can create a safer, more inviting atmosphere. These improvements will not only elevate the quality of life for current residents but also attract potential homeowners looking for a vibrant and secure community. Investing in these upgrades is an investment in the future of Boca Grove.