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University Area Library A Go

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 9, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - UNIVERSITY AREA - Despite a sluggish economy, possible cutbacks in county services and delays in securing the site, the University Area Partnership Library is a go.

The library is planned for 138th Avenue east of 22nd Street at the site of the Rainbow Apartments.

David Wullschleger, operations manager for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, said the library is part of the county's recommended budget, with construction funding set for 2011.

Community leaders had hoped to open the library by 2010. Plans have been delayed, as county leaders wanted to be sure the money was available to staff and operate the facility, Wullschleger said.

"We do know now the operating funds would be there. That was a big concern," Wullschleger said.

The delay was compounded by problems securing the land.

In October 2006, the Hillsborough County commissioners approved a plan for the nonprofit University Area Community Development Corp. to buy the land with county money for about $3.8 million. The development corporation would operate the 72-unit apartment complex until it is demolished and construction of the library begins. The development corporation would receive a 4 percent management fee.

However, questions arose about how long the apartment complex would have to stay open to fulfill its obligation as affordable housing.

"Now, we are moving forward. And hopefully, within the next month, we can get the apartments and implement the plan," said Julian Garcia, executive director of the development corporation.

The required time for the housing to remain open should coincide with the current construction schedule, Garcia said.

Under the partnership plan, students from Bowers/Whitley Career Center and Muller Elementary would use the library during school hours. It would be open to the community at other times.

"As long as we get the library in the end ...," Garcia said.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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