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Center Plan Moves Forward

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By TOM BRENNAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

BRANDON - Backers of the Brandon Community Advantage Center have cleared another hurdle in their attempt to get $2.5 million in county cash for construction of the proposed civic and cultural hub.

County commissioners gave tentative approval to the funding June 17 and will hold another hearing on funding for the center and other projects July 16. A final decision is set for Aug. 6.

"We're pleased to be moving forward with the process and keeping our place in line," said Earl Lennard, chief executive officer of a group of area residents and business leaders supporting the center. "Now, we are moving along."

The Advantage Center is among a number of projects vying for some of the $40 million in Community Investment Tax money that became available last year when commissioners decided not to proceed with Championship Park - a multipurpose athletic complex that was to be built outside Plant City.

Commissioners unanimously decided to consider funding a roster of projects proposed by Hillsborough County's Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, including the Advantage Center.

But commissioners said the vote didn't mean ultimate approval.

"There is no guarantee yet," Commissioner Rose Ferlita said. But groups lobbying for the funds, she said, "may have a little bit better level of comfort."
Commission Chairman Ken Hagan echoed those sentiments.

"I have issues on some of the funding levels, but we can horse trade at future meetings," he said.

Supporters of the Advantage Center envision it as a cultural and civic hub to be built on four acres off Watson Road at the southeast corner of the Winthrop commercial and residential development in Riverview.

Mark Thornton, parks department director, said the Advantage Center made his agency's list of recommended projects in part because funds already have been committed to it.

"We wanted to look for projects that would allow us a dollar-for-dollar match," he said. "We would be able to double our investment, and we would be able to stretch our dollars."

Former state Sen. Tom Lee and state Rep. Trey Traviesa, R-Tampa, have secured $3.4 million in state and federal funds for the center. Of that, $1.4 million is federal funding offered in exchange for making part of the center an emergency evacuation shelter for people with special needs.

Thornton said if the center gets Community Investment Tax funding, the county would have first dibs on space there in the event of a natural disaster.

Winthrop developer John Sullivan agreed to sell the proposed building site at a discount and build the center for the money project backers have available.

The $3.4 million will only cover construction of the building's shell, center officials have said. The county's contribution will help finish it out.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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