Downtown Holiday Lights Could Shine in Auburn

The City of Auburn and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce are working with downtown business owners and the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) to develop a proposal that would bring LED C9-style warm white lighting to building rooftops along the U.S. Highway 75 and Nebraska Highway 136 corridors during the holiday season.
The project is designed to add a festive glow to downtown Auburn during the community’s busiest retail season.
Auburn Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leslie Clark said the idea grew out of conversations with local businesses.
“We’ve heard from a lot of Chamber members that they’d like to do something to beautify Auburn during the holidays, but since we are along two state highways, there are limitations on what can be done,” Clark said. “This is a great way to bring some magic downtown during the most important retail season.”
Clark said the cost of the lighting, installation and maintenance would be covered through CRA funds set aside for these types of projects if it is approved by the Auburn City Council and the CRA board. The only expense for participating businesses would be a small increase in electrical usage while the lights are in operation.
During a planning meeting May 6, several business owners appeared supportive of the proposal.
“Other communities in the area have installed this type of lighting, and it really looks beautiful,” said Amanda Gibson, proprietor of Bee Yourself Boutique at Indigo Collective in Auburn. “It would be great if we could do it here!”