Lampposts installed near Warner Town Hall to address safety concerns

The first phase of a lighting project around Warner Town Hall was completed Thursday to address safety concerns around evening municipal activities.

Warner’s beautification group received $20,000 from Encore Renewable Energy in November after breaking ground on a solar panel project near Poverty Plains Road. That funding was set aside specifically for the lighting project.

Hopkinton-based Irish Electric installed four iron lampposts around the semi-circle in front of town hall Wednesday and Thursday.

“The lights look fabulous,” said Kathy Carson, a member of the beautification group. “They’re unobtrusive yet very stylish.”

The group conducted community needs research and found that some residents had concerns about the visibility around town hall during late-night activities, such as meetings and elections.

The lights are set on a seasonal timer and turn on between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The timer and the lamps’ design were intentional to avoid any uneccessary light pollution.

In additional phases, the group hopes to install more lampposts on both sides of the building.

“This is a step forward, and we’re really grateful to be the recipient of Encore’s gift,” Carson said.