Board weighs solar panels and flashing beacons for 21st Avenue stop signs; asks public services to re‑check placement

Public services presented a proposal Feb. 5 to add taller poles with solar panels and flashing red beacons to the north‑ and south‑facing stop signs at 21st Avenue and Passagrille Way and asked the Historic Preservation Board for feedback.

Mister Berry of public services said the change would replace the perimeter lighting currently installed around some stop signs and that the main addition would be a taller pole to make the beacon visible. He noted the proposal targets only north and south faces at this time and that FDOT did not recommend the measure because the road is local.

Board members expressed two recurring concerns: visibility and preservation of historic posts. Several members observed the northbound stop sign sits east of the sidewalk (about 6 feet from the curb) where landscaping and other signage can reduce visibility; they asked whether moving the sign closer to the road would improve motorist sightlines. Public services agreed to re‑examine placement and to coordinate with the board’s design concerns.

Members also noted the need to avoid losing historic poles: public services said the north/south posts would not be historic in all locations but that east/west historic posts would remain. One board member suggested painting replacement poles black to minimize contrast with existing historic fixtures.

No formal vote was taken; the board asked public services to return with refined placement details and for staff to consider preserving historic elements while addressing safety concerns.