THOMASVILLE — Thomasville City Council members will consider historic ornamental street lights in historic districts — for a price.

Mayor pro tem Don Sims, who lives on North Dawson Street in the Dawson Street Historic District, said historic street lights end at Calhoun Street, resulting in a degree of darkness.

“I live on Dawson and have a street light. This is not a conflict of interest,” Sims told fellow council members at a Wednesday council workshop.

Warren and Love streets, two blocks of Madison and Broad streets and Victoria Place also have the lights, City Manager Steve Sykes told the council. Grant funding paid for Madison Board and Victoria Place lighting.

“There have been some to express interest to putting historic lights in their neighborhood,” Sykes said, pointing out that some residents want more Dawson lighting.

Residents in the Tockwotton historic district requested the lighting on Hansell Street between Smith and Remington avenues.

The city would pay one-third of the cost of the lights. Property owners on each side of the street would pay the remainder.

“The owners’ cost would be determined by how much property they have,” Sykes explained.

The cost for installation on Dawson Street would be $85,000 and $35,000 on Hansell. Dawson ornamental historic lighting would be installed from Calhoun to East Jackson Street.

On Thursday, Sykes said standard street lighting is placed on existing poles with overhead power available. The cost of standard lighting is about $500 per light.

“Ornamental street lighting requires decorative poles, decorative light fixtures and new underground power construction for about $2,500 per light,” Sykes said.

At the Wednesday workshop, Sykes suggested city financing of owners’ share of the lights for seven years with no interest rate.

Council member Max Beverly said that if other areas of the city want the lights, installation could be considered. 

“In the historic districts, it makes sense,” Beverly added.

The city will not “sell” historic lighting. 

“The neighborhood will have to sell the project,” Sykes said.

Sims said fundraisers have been mentioned to finance the lighting on Dawson.