Current Issues in Journalism

The lack of a street light around student-dominated apartments surrounding tenth street and Arkansas street is problematic during the nighttime hours. Now that the daylight hours have decreased, a street light would provide more light during the many hours of darkness. “The addition of a street light would assist in making students feel safer,” said Jessica Waller, a resident at the Hawker apartment complex. Waller also pointed out that many of the students at the surrounding apartment complexes, including The Hawker, Hawks Point II and Arkansas Villas, walk not only from one apartment complex to another, but use these streets as their path home from the bars.
For an area that is so student-dominated, it only seems appropriate that it would be well light. According to bostoncrimewatch.com’s “Safety Walking Tips,” it is important to “walk with confidence, be aware of surroundings and avoid bushes and poorly lit areas.” How is it possible to avoid poorly lit areas when one lives in one?
After getting in contact with the Public Works Office of Lawrence to express my concern with the lack of a street light, I was redirected by the receptionist to Mr. John Vannicola, (785) 832-3191. Calls were not returned, by the due date, after multiple attempts to get in contact with Mr.Vannicola. I was disappointed that I was not able to talk one-on-one with Mr. Vannicola. The overall safety of the community should be a top priority of Public Works office.
Increasing the number of well-light areas in Lawrence would provide a safer area to walk in, as many students do not have cars and use these streets as their path home from late nights at the bars.