Tarpon-Safford Ave. Railroad Mast Put on Hold

Plans to insert a railroad crossing mast arm at the corner of Tarpon and Safford avenues have been put on hold over a budget concern was revealed at Tuesday's city commission meeting.

A railroad crossing mast arm is to be installed as an enhancement to the appearance of the historic downtown district. It's historically accurate, because of the old train station located at the intersection, which is now home to the Tarpon Springs Historical Society. 

The mast would offer the opportunity for city advertisements as banners can be hung from the arm. 

Although the idea was supported by city commissioners, they've shopped around and found that their original estimates of the installment were a little bit too low compared to their budget of about $100,000.

With a sizable arm, the concrete base would have to be much larger than officials anticipated, and cost more, too. Now, the search is on for another avenue that will keep spending and size to a minimum.  

At the next commissioners meeting on Nov. 6, the city manager will give an update on the addition.