Detroit Council Tackles "Huge Problems" In Public Lighting

DETROIT (WWJ) - As blackouts spread across the city and many Detroit schools are forced to send students home, parents are wondering what's going on with the lighting system.

Are there problems in Detroit Public Lighting?  WWJ Newsradio 950 City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas spoke with City Councilman James Tate.

"Huge problems in public lighting. That's on the council table as we speak," said Tate."We've talked about it and we're working with the administration. At City Council we have all the ordinances that are in place."

Tate said he believes the city should consider giving away control of the system.

"We might actually have to provide the lighting system to an outside entity, to a private company that would be able to come in, who could invest capital dollars, who could do some bonding," he said.

Tate said, as of now, it would be "nearly impossible" for the city to fund an overhaul of the lighting system within the current budget.

A major power outage spread across midtown Detroit on Thursday, with blackouts reported at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Wayne State University.

Detroit Public Schools officials said all students in the district would be dismissed early due to power problems. School was expected to be back in session on Friday.

Related: What's Causing Detroit's Power Problems?

Note: The DIA was closed Thursday afternoon due to the power outage.  Patrons planning to visit are asked to call (313) 833-7900 to find out if the building has reopened.