NE Iowa City Gets More Lighting & Cameras for Security

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque is getting more street lighting and security cameras as part of an effort to address safety in the city.

The Dubuque City Council voted 6-1 Monday to spend more than $500,000 to add 96 cameras and install 216 light-emitting diode, or LED, streetlights. Twenty-five existing lights will get converted to brighter fixtures.

City Manager Mike Van Milligen says the new lighting and cameras will be installed in the next three to five months. The City Council also altered Dubuque's streetlight policy so that they would be placed every 300 feet, rather than 600 feet, when practical.

Council members say the lighting and cameras are a small part of an effort to crack down on gun violence, tackle urban blight and create friendly neighborhoods.