Creating a new type of block? (and another question)

Beginner/intermediate Java programmer, beginner Bukkit programmer here.
Can a Bukkit mod introduce a new block? Or would that require a mod to Minecraft itself? If Bukkit can do it, how?

Also, is there a way to set the light level of a specific block/area? Or basically add a torch to a location but hide the torch model and effects?

 

You cannot create a new block. To do that, you would have to modify files inside the minecraft.jar to create the textures and such. Also a mod like this would require a player joining the server to install it too to get the textures and such. You can, however, modify the functions of blocks and combinations of blocks (maybe a block with a sign with specific text).

As for getting light level there is a block.getLightLevel() with returns a number 0 - 15

 

Thanks! Guess my mod isn't possible then.
I'll put the idea out there though. I'd like to make a mod that adds spotlights: blocks that cast light towards entities, such as mobs, players, or animals.
Any way I could do this without creating a new block?