'We need lights’: Rufus King lighting construction project comes to a halt

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Milwaukee City Engineer Kevin Muhs spoke at the Public Works Committee on Wednesday, July 23, about why the lighting construction project in Rufus King recently paused. 

Muhs said there has been a theft of materials that is leading to a three week pause on the project that is now expected to be done in 2-3 months. 

He also mentioned that copper wires were the main material being stolen and that it was a common issue across the city. 

“You’re causing a lot of issues for these people,” District One Alderwoman Andrea Pratt said. “We need lights, we deserve lights, and I’m looking forward to this process being over.”

Pratt has lived in the Rufus King neighborhood her entire life and has a light pole outside her home that does not work but is supposed to be replaced with a new one. 

“It was desperately needed,” Pratt said. “We have one of the worst circuits in the city.”

Pratt’s main concern is the project wrapping up before the days get shorter in the fall and it gets dark early. 

 “I need everybody coming and going from the Rufus King area to be safe and especially the residents who live here,” Pratt said. 

Ninety-five-year-old Bruce Wright has lived in the neighborhood since 1969 and is growing impatient with the project. 

“At first I thought this construction was absolutely what we needed more light in the neighborhood, less crime,” Wright said. “It’s taking so long to do it.”

Pratt is urging people in the neighborhood to keep an eye on the construction material and to report any signs of a robbery to police. 

“People’s children are still outside playing, it’s summertime, but if we don’t have lights and it’s caused by people stealing things that’s an issue,” Pratt said. “We have elders coming in the house and it’s dark and they don’t feel safe.”