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Development Could Be 'Green'

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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - An affordable housing subdivision with "green" construction is in the earliest stages of planning for the area west of the University of South Florida.

Julian Garcia, executive director of the University Area Community Development Corp., said the nonprofit agency is pursuing an idea to build between 30 and 40 houses on 6.6 acres it owns between 19th and 20th streets at 137th Avenue.

The site, formerly owned by the Police Athletic League, is now the site of Youth Empowered to Achieve, a soccer field and a drainage pond.

Garcia said using green technology could help reduce the costs of owning and operating a house and make it more affordable for families.

"If a house isn't green, electrical bills can be 25 percent of a mortgage," Garcia said.

The single-family housing would help meet goals outlined in the corporation's master plan to redevelop the blighted community, where many residents are renters.

"Home ownership means people take ownership in the neighborhood," Garcia said.

The corporation is exploring many types of materials, including modular housing.

To test the market, Garcia said the corporation may buy a single lot in the area and build a home before it commits to the 6.6-acre development. The area will require sewage and power lines to be installed to even build one house.

Tom Locke, chairman of the University Area Enterprise Agency Board, which uses tax incentives to promote the area to businesses, said he sees the idea as another way to redevelop the community.

"Any new development - especially something with green technology - is exciting," Locke said.

Some residents now play soccer at the site, but there is no formal team playing there, he said.

"Stabilizing the overall quality of life is more important," Garcia said. "And we think home ownership is the way to do it."

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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