Grand Valley State University has installed temporary lighting near its campus in Allendale, Mich., after four recent reports of sexual assaults and a shooting nearby.
WOOD-TV reports that about six temporary lighting units have been placed along 48th Avenue near West Campus Drive. The university is considering adding a few additional units, including a location near where the most recent sexual assault was reported.
Consumers Energy says it will add permanent lighting to the area. That had been the plan before the recent series of attacks, but the timing now has been accelerated.
The sexual assaults occurred between Aug. 26 and Sept. 27. Three of the four assaults have occurred off 48th Avenue.
Even though the area where the new lighting is being installed is off campus, the university is splitting the cost of the permanent lights with Consumers Energy.
“This isn’t Grand Valley property,” says Tim Timmesch, associate vice president of Facility Services. “But these are our students that live out here on this side of 48th.”
Police and university representatives are meeting with off-campus apartment managers to discuss additional security measures. the investigation into the sex assaults continues. Authorities have interviewed several people, but have no suspects in custody.
Video from WOOD-TV:
