Wilkinsburg Receives Grant for Street Lights

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation has received a $20,000 grant from Duquesne Light Company to refurbish 63 existing decorative lampposts in Wilkinsburg’s business district. 

The lamppost refurbishment project is part of the larger Streetscape Improvement Program by WCDC to improve the business district, which includes fabricating and installing 22 new litter receptacles, installing 80 decorative banners and pruning 44 existing street trees, resulting in a $65,000 overall investment.

The utility’s grant was made through its "Power of Light" program, which places a special focus on illuminating regional and neighborhood landmarks, recreational lighting, as well as lighting initiatives promoting economic vitality, safety and security in the various communities and neighborhoods Duquesne Light serves.

Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson, who also serves as chairman of the WCDC, said in a news release, “We are grateful to Duquesne Light for this grant.  It helps to ensure safe and attractive streets as we strive to rebuild our business corridor.” 

The Streetscape Improvement Program will begin this month and continue through September. 

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation was formed in June of 2008 with a mission to revitalize Wilkinsburg and surrounding areas through business and residential development, organizational and individual civic leadership, and cultural enrichment.