In the midst of several recent assaults on campus, the Urbana City Council discussed a University District lighting project at its meeting Monday night. The discussion surrounded the idea of creating a continuity to the campus with lighting. The Council agreed the light poles on campus should be unified and distinguish the area, but it disagreed on the lighting and type of bulb to be used.

Bill Gray, director of Public Works, said the discussion at the meeting was not about light pollution but about whether aldermen want a “consistent look” in the district.

The University District is bound by Lincoln Avenue, Nevada Street, Mathews Avenue and Springfield Avenue, according to a memorandum from Gray to the Council. Gray said unified street lights help to keep the campus distinct.

“We want to be a campus that attracts people,” Heather Stevenson, Ward 6, said. “We want to make the campus look appealing.”

The Council discussed the idea of light pollution because it said it wanted to decide on a light pole that would allow it the option of choosing between different types of bulbs.

Gary Cziko, professor in the College of Education, gave a short presentation to the Council about the current lighting on campus. Cziko, an avid bike rider and pedestrian, said the globe lights waste energy and direct light upward and sideways rather than down toward the ground.

“They look great when they’re off, but when they’re on they don’t do what they’re supposed to do,” Cziko said.

Cziko suggested LED-type lights as an alternative. LED lights allow more focused direction of light and control over color. Right now, it is the best option there is, he said.

Lynne Barnes, Ward 7, disagreed. She said her biggest concern is safety and she would prefer brighter lights on campus to make it safer than less light to avoid light pollution.

“A lot of crime in the Campustown area has to do with bad lighting,” Dennis Roberts, Ward 5, said.