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MONTE VISTA — Rio Grande County Public Health (RGCPH) continues to advance its commitment to building safer, healthier communities through the Safer Streets Program by installing five additional solar-powered street lights in Monte Vista. The lights will be strategically placed in locations identified by law enforcement, community members, and city officials as areas where additional lighting can help deter property crime and improve neighborhood safety.
The project was funded through a twoyear Safer Streets Grant awarded to RGCPH by the Colorado Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance, a division of the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice. The initiative supports a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to reducing property crime, theft, youth-related crime, and commercial crime while strengthening community engagement and neighborhood partnerships.
Research has consistently shown that well-designed environmental improvements, including enhanced lighting, can discourage criminal activity, increase natural surveillance, and improve residents’ sense of security. These improvements are part of the nationally recognized Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach, which focuses on creating safer public spaces through thoughtful community planning.
The additional lighting complements other ongoing Safer Streets initiatives, including revitalizing Neighborhood Watch programs, expanding youth engagement activities, and strengthening security measures in commercial areas.
“This project reflects the important role public health plays in creating safe and thriving communities,” said Dr. Kolawole Bankole, MD, MS, MBA, Director of Rio Grande County Public Health. “Community safety is a public health priority. By working alongside law enforcement, local government, and residents, we are addressing environmental factors that contribute to crime while creating neighborhoods where families feel safer, businesses can flourish, and residents are encouraged to be active participants in their communities.”
Implementation of the project has been made possible through strong collaboration with the Rio Grande County Sheriff ’s Office, the Monte Vista Police Department, the City of Monte Vista, and particularly the City’s Public Works Department, whose expertise has been instrumental in selecting, storing, and installing the solar lighting systems. These partnerships demonstrate the power of coordinated local action to improve quality of life for all residents.
The Monte Vista Police Department has also partnered with RGCPH in revitalizing the city’s Neighborhood Watch program, which has held monthly meetings since November 2024. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Carnegie Public Library. Each meeting features crime prevention education, community discussion, current crime statistics, and opportunities for residents to engage directly with law enforcement.
Following extensive input from law enforcement, Public Works staff, and Neighborhood Watch participants, five priority locations have been identified for the installation of the new solar street lights. The proposed locations include: Alleys between Jefferson and Madison Streets at approximately the midpoint of the 300–400, 400–600, and 700–800 blocks.
The alley between Madison and Monroe Streets between the 700 and 800 blocks.
The intersection of the alley between Franklin and Lyell Streets and Fourth Avenue.
A map of the proposed installation sites accompanies this release.
Monte Vista Chief of Police Charles Schoepflin praised the collaborative effort: “Creating safer neighborhoods takes a community effort. These additional street lights are a proactive investment in public safety that will help deter crime, improve visibility, and enhance the quality of life for our residents. We appreciate the partnership with Rio Grande County Public Health, the City of Monte Vista, and everyone working together to make our community safer.”
Residents interested in learning more about the proposed lighting locations, participating in Neighborhood Watch, or becoming involved in other Safer Streets initiatives are encouraged to contact RGCPH Prevention Coordinator Chelsea McNerney-Martinez at [email protected].
About the Safer Streets Program The Rio Grande County Public Health Safer Streets Program brings together public health, law enforcement, local government, businesses, and residents to reduce crime through prevention, community engagement, environmental improvements, and collaborative partnerships. The program reflects the belief that safe communities are healthier communities and that sustainable public safety is achieved when residents, organizations, and public agencies work together.
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