Plans for the corner lot at Corbet Street and Third Avenue in Tarentum are up in the air again.
A gazebo that was expected to serve as a focal point in the business district is off the books, at least for now.
Costs climbed higher than expected for the structure, which was to be erected on the vacant lot where a former apartment building and convenience store was demolished in March.
“I can’t see spending $35,000 on a gazebo right now,” Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said.
“We need to reapproach how we’re going to do it.”
Boddorf handed over the project to borough engineers to sort out more cost-effective ideas.
As proposed, a 24-by-24-foot open stage was to be built where the three-story building sat at the corner of Third and Corbet.
Council bounced around ideas for the property, debating a community hub or green space. A gazebo would have been used for Christmastime light-up night, concerts by school groups or other community- oriented events.
Councilwoman Carrie Fox believes the space needs to be planned carefully.
“Being on Corbet, it needs to look neat and clean,” she said.
“I don’t want to see anything be constructed that will cause more work for our police or street department.”
Councilwoman Lou Ann Homa agreed, citing a former bus stop at Fourth Avenue and Corbet Street which required cleaning by the public works crew nearly every day.
Councilman Ray Kerr suggested council could seek a business to sponsor the gazebo or maybe maintain it.
Other ideas include recreational space or additional parking.
“We’re open to anything,” Boddorf said. “It’s going to affect everybody so we want to consider every possibility.”
