05-24-2006, 01:42 AM
Police Station Groundbreaking Expected Despite Delays, Rising Costs
TAMPA - A long-delayed groundbreaking for the Tampa Police Department's District 3 station is expected by late summer.
Project costs pegged nearly two years ago at about $3.1 million could reach $7.5 million, with rising concrete and fuel prices boosting the price tag. Funding will come from utility taxes, federal grants, the Community Investment Tax and local property taxes.
East Tampa residents say they are eager for the station to open, seeing it as a signal the community is a safe and inviting place for developers and investors.
Officials talked of a 2005 construction start and a 2006 opening, but the city couldn't buy the property until summer 2005 because the owner, Tampa Housing Authority, needed federal approval to sell. The land cost $350,000.
An environmental review was required because the site, on North 22nd Street between East 31st and 32nd avenues, was a city landfill.
Police officials and Mayor Pam Iorio agreed in 2004 to create a third police district, covering most of east Tampa and based for now at the department's downtown headquarters.
Kathy Steele
TBO
TAMPA - A long-delayed groundbreaking for the Tampa Police Department's District 3 station is expected by late summer.
Project costs pegged nearly two years ago at about $3.1 million could reach $7.5 million, with rising concrete and fuel prices boosting the price tag. Funding will come from utility taxes, federal grants, the Community Investment Tax and local property taxes.
East Tampa residents say they are eager for the station to open, seeing it as a signal the community is a safe and inviting place for developers and investors.
Officials talked of a 2005 construction start and a 2006 opening, but the city couldn't buy the property until summer 2005 because the owner, Tampa Housing Authority, needed federal approval to sell. The land cost $350,000.
An environmental review was required because the site, on North 22nd Street between East 31st and 32nd avenues, was a city landfill.
Police officials and Mayor Pam Iorio agreed in 2004 to create a third police district, covering most of east Tampa and based for now at the department's downtown headquarters.
Kathy Steele
TBO