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Two Gathering Places Going Up

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - A county senior center is under construction, and a Tampa Housing Authority community center could have its groundbreaking this month.

Both projects are next to The Oaks at Riverview complex of apartments, town homes and single-family homes on Broad Street between Florida and Central avenues. The complex is owned and managed by the housing authority.

The community center, off Florida north of Kirby Street, is expected to take a year to build and cost about $1.8 million.

A portion of proceeds from home sales at The Oaks goes toward the community center, said Leroy Moore, the authority's senior vice president. Funding also is coming from the city, plus about $300,000 from a federal grant.

"This will be a nice indoor area with computer literacy classes and community meeting spaces," Moore said.

Other amenities will include an arts and crafts room, game rooms, a lobby, offices and storage space.

The city is donating a portion of Riverview Terrace Park for the community center and offering the housing authority a $1 annual lease for 25 years. The housing authority can collect rental fees for special events and fundraisers at the center and in return will donate tickets or passes to the city on those occasions.

The Oaks at Riverview Senior Center, south of Kirby across from the park, is on land donated by the housing authority to the county, senior architect Dan Myers said.

Construction costs are about $1.6 million, with an estimated $400,000 more for equipment and furnishings. Though construction is ongoing, a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 18.

The senior center will replace a building the county leases on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It will offer adult day care, wellness programs, computer classes and activities that bring seniors and children together.

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

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