Ald. Donovan announces expansion of alley lighting initiative

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan on Thursday, May 30th announced the expansion of an initiative that has provided much-needed, crime-deterring alley lighting on the near south side.

Alderman Donovan was joined by neighbors and business owners from the Burnham Park neighborhood, which is the target of the new Operation Impact expansion, as well as representatives from We Energies, who have helped make the lighting initiative successful since its launch last year.

“Operation Impact has been instrumental in providing surveillance cameras, extra foot patrols and now alley lighting to areas that need them,” Alderman Donovan said. “All of those measures have helped improve the quality of life for residents.”

Alderman Donovan said the initiative has completed the addition of new alley lighting in the Silver City neighborhood, from W. Pierce St. to W. Greenfield Ave. and S. Layton Blvd. to S. 39th St.

With the continued partnership with We Energies and other sponsors, the initiative will now turn its focus to the neighboring Burnham Park neighborhood, from W. Greenfield Ave. to W. Rogers St. and S. Layton Blvd. to S. 38th St. Operation Impact improvements are paid for entirely by private sector donors.

“It’s a night and day difference,” Silver City resident and business owner Betty Grinker said. “With the new alley lighting, you can see anything that moves back there. Operation Impact is giving us the tools we need to stay safe and fight crime.”