A new affordable townhome development is moving forward in Tarpon Springs after receiving unanimous approval from the City Commission.

The project will bring 32 townhomes to a site on Mango Street near Disston Avenue, just outside the city’s downtown area. City leaders approved the development as part of an ongoing effort to increase housing options for residents facing rising home prices.

Commissioners said the project addresses a need for more attainable housing in a city that is nearly fully developed. The development is intended to provide additional homeownership opportunities for working residents while using an infill site that has remained undeveloped.

The approved plan includes five townhome buildings and a neighborhood park. To allow construction to proceed, the commission also approved vacating portions of unused public right-of-way within the property. The city will retain a portion of the right-of-way to preserve the possibility of future roadway improvements along Mango Street.

During public discussions, commissioners acknowledged that rising construction costs have made it increasingly difficult to build lower-priced homes. Officials said the project is expected to provide some of the more attainable newly constructed housing available in Tarpon Springs, even though prices have not yet been announced.

The development also renewed discussion about a long-planned extension of Disston Avenue. City officials have studied completing the roadway connection for decades, citing its potential transportation and emergency evacuation benefits, although no decision on the extension was made as part of the townhome approval.

The project will now move into the replatting and permitting process before construction can begin.

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