City of Tampa leaders are taking the next big step toward a new, state-of-the-art recreation complex in East Tampa with plans to demo the Penny Saver Food Market Property, located next to Fair Oaks Park on North 34th Street.
Demolition of the 1.8-acre property will enable the redevelopment of Fair Oaks Park into a new, multi-generational complex that will include a senior center, recreation center, athletic field, and exercise trail.
In total, the recreation complex will span approximately 10 acres. The East Tampa CRA funded $1M and an additional $300,000 came from the City of Tampa’s General Fund.
The City earlier this year had to cancel a purchase contract because the owners failed to meet the terms of a deal, but city leaders kept pressing forward with the effort to ensure the creation of a world class complex in East Tampa.
After hosting several listening sessions with residents and neighborhood stakeholders, the City agreed this would be an ideal location for a state-of-the-art multi-generational complex.
“The East Tampa community has been waiting for this day. Demolishing the Penny Saver is a significant step toward creating a world class recreation destination that East Tampa residents can enjoy and be proud of for generations to come," Mayor Jane Castor said. "It has taken a lot of determination and hard work to get to this point, but it will pay off in the end. The new senior center and recreation complex will be an East Tampa jewel."
"This is a big day for East Tampa residents who are looking forward to seeing the transformation of this property,” said Councilman Orlando Gudes. “Acquiring this property not only removes a blight, but helps us a create a first class, regional recreational complex. I am grateful to the East Tampa CRA's Community Advisory Community for contributing $1 million for this effort."
City staff are currently planning a groundbreaking ceremony and community members will be invited to take part in the celebration.
“Construction can't start soon enough,” Mayor Jane Castor said.
While the City of Tampa was acquiring the old Penny Saver, city officials issued an RFQ for design-build services. The City is now in negotiations with Skanska for the design-build contract. Skanka’s commitment includes more than 75 percent minority participation in pre-design and engineering work.
Original source can be found here.
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