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County's Latest Senior Center Finally Under Construction

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - At age 91, James Carter is ready for a new beginning at the county's latest senior center.

The anticipated opening date is February, nearly seven years after Hillsborough County and Tampa Housing Authority officials joined to seek federal funds for multiple projects at the Oaks at Riverview.

The Oaks opened in 2005 as a replacement for a 60-year-old public housing complex. It is a mix of market-rate and subsidized apartments, town homes and single-family homes on Broad Street between Florida and Central avenues.

The Oaks at Riverview Senior Center is under construction on land donated by the housing authority, next to a senior apartment facility. Across the street, the housing authority is building a community center on a portion of the city's Riverview Terrace Park.

"We'll be glad to accept the senior center even though it's a long time coming," Carter said at last week's topping off ceremony for the project. About 30 seniors and county officials attended, including County Administrator Pat Bean and Commissioner Brian Blair.

Bean said the center, at Florida and Kirby Street, will add to the quality of life for seniors. County programs serve about 198,000 seniors, including about 26,000 who live in Seminole Heights, she said.

At the ceremony's conclusion, participants signed a board that will be installed in the center's rafters.

"I think we all ought to just say, 'Hallelujah,'" Bean said.

The $1.6 million, 8,000-square-foot center will offer adult day care, wellness programs, computer classes and health assessments. There also will be a screened porch and two gardens with controlled access for safety.

Carter, who lives in East Tampa, began participating in the county's senior programs in Ybor City in the 1980s. Since then, he has been to at least three other centers, most recently at a county-leased facility on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Ella Jones, 77, who lives in River Pines, enjoys arts and crafts and games at the Martin Luther King facility. But it is too small, she said.

Construction on the $1.8 million community center began this month and is expected to take a year. The facility will include an arts and crafts room and a game room.

Housing officials told Oaks residents recently that they are negotiating with the Boys & Girls Clubs to operate the facility.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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