Because a state law about street lighting is changing, Watson Township will be a test case for “mongoose” style lighting in rural agricultural areas.

Matt McKeon, representative from Consumers Energy, asked the Watson Township Board Thursday night to replace one current center suspension light at the corner of M-222 and 23rd Street with a “mongoose” style with a pole now being used in Kalamazoo.

The Michigan Department of Transportation wants to get away from using center suspension lights because they become traffic and safety hazards for motorists and employees when they have to be replaced.

Watson Township recently asked to have three lights along M-222 replaced, so McKeon asked to be permitted to install a mongoose at the intersection for a trial run, at no cost to the township. He said his concern is that the mongoose lights will be too bright and distracting for motorists, but he needs to find out as soon as possible.

“It’ll be a test and that’s all,” he said to board members. “I’d like the opportunity to use the mongoose lights, but we don’t want drivers to be blinded.”

McKeon asked Supervisor Pam Brown to indicate how they are working as soon as possible and Consumers Energy will act accordingly. If the 250-watt light doesn’t work out, it was be removed and the township won’t be charged a penny. If it does work, then the township will have it and two others installed at the $410 per light.

The township agreed to allow installation after being assured there would be no issues with liability in case anything goes wrong.

Brown told board colleagues Watson Township made the requests for better lighting along M-222 earlier this year because, “two people requested it. They blow through intersections (without seeing street names) all the time.”

PHOTO: Matt McKeon attempts to illustrate what Consumers Energy would like to do with test case for “mongoose” lighting.