The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved the results of an election to form a lighting district in Kenwood Park, a county island centered on Starr Ave. and Kenwood Ave. which is entirely surrounded by the City of Turlock.

The ballot results, revealed July 26, were 12 in favor of forming the lighting district and 12 opposed. As the state constitution requires a simple majority to oppose formation of an assessment district to prevent its establishment – rather than a majority vote to form a lighting district – the tie resulted in the district’s formation.

Each Kenwood Park property owner will now pay an annual assessment of $58.94. The funding will pay for the installation and operation of 14 streetlights in the dark, crime-ridden neighborhood. The Turlock Irrigation District anticipates installing those lights prior to September.

The county has spent $7,500 on the project so far. Of that, $6,000 was paid through Community Development Funds, while the remaining $1,500 cost will be borne by the newly formed district.