Town Council Approves $177k Mast Arms

Town Council has approved four mast arms for the traffic light at the busy intersection of Berlin G. Meyers Parkways and North Main Street — but the $177,000 purchase and installation, already budgeted, didn't sit well with two of the council members.

Councilmen Walter Bailey and Bill McIntosh were the two dissenting votes Monday as the council voted 5-2 to approve the installation.

The mast arms will replace the wires that now suspend the traffic lights, like the arms at the Richardson Avenue and South Main Street intersection.

While the new arms will belong to the town, the wire maintenance, computer maintenance and more will remain the responsibility of the state. 

The town recommended four intersections for mast arms replacing wires.

"That's about half a million dollars in lights that are currently functional now?" Bailey asked. "There are better uses for tax money."

Councilman Bob Jackson had previously voted against the mast arms, but had changed his tune Monday. 

"It does change the image of the town," Jackson said. "It makes a difference."