LED Lights To Be Installed On Storefronts Along Detroit Business Strip

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Wayne County Executive Warren Evans has announced plans to illuminate some businesses on Detroit's west side.

Evans told business and community leaders Wednesday about 160 LED lights will be installed on Livernois along the city's longtime Avenue of Fashion. Following the announcement, the first light went up outside CGB Design Studio.

The Avenue of Fashion Business Association and University Commons support the program, which will see lights installed in front of and behind shops, alleys and parking lots. Evans says it's an important "first step" for merchants and customers.

"The coordination with the city of Detroit, as you see, with the second arm on the street lighting that the city has come through and put through gives some added illumination," said Evans, "but the, obviously, the LED lighting that they're installing now are along on the fronts of the stores — spaced, obviously, so the illumination would cover the block."

The lights are paid for by a $106,000 grant from the Wayne County Economic Development Corp.

The area, once a popular shopping district, features boutiques, restaurants, clothing stores and salons. It's been seeing new businesses and shoppers in recent years.

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