HAMPTON, Va. — It's lights on in Hampton thanks to new, solar-powered light poles - the first in the entire state.
Mayor Donnie Tuck cut the ribbon Tuesday afternoon at Y.H. Thomas Park with help from local students. It was the kick-off to the Digital City Transformation Project.
There are 15 new light poles that are 100% solar-powered. The poles provide Wi-Fi to people at the park, a USB charging station and most importantly, light in areas where Dominion Energy does not have lights.
Mayor Tuck says these lights will help provide 24-hour security in areas including athletic fields, basketball courts and walking trails.
"We can mount cameras and sensors in it, which will communicate data to our real-time crime center. The idea is that it provides safety here and also provides data back to our public safety so they can make sure anyone who is using this path is not in danger," the mayor told News 3.
This pilot project cost the city about $100,000. Mayor Tuck says they could install some of these light poles at bus stops that currently have no lights.
