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The Oaks Responds To Concerns

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - The Oaks at Riverview is nearing build-out with the last homes headed for a fall completion.

But the swift climb from a few residents to nearly a full house in about three years has brought a few growing pains to this former public housing complex. And amid a hierarchy of developer, manager and Tampa Housing Authority, there has been a confusing line of responsibility.

At a crime watch meeting last week, Oaks management took steps to ease a few pains and pledged better communication with residents. Among the improvements are expanded hours for the swimming pool, a nearly completed electronic access system for the fitness room and an agreement with Tampa Electric Co. to install four light poles near the senior apartments.

Equipment for a crime watch group, including a golf cart, is in place. About 30 residents attended the meeting, and several stepped forward to volunteer as crime watch leader and block captains.

"Hopefully we can move things along a little faster," said Ron Platter, regional property manager for Edgewood Management Corp., which is based in Memphis, Tenn.

Residents say they have raised concerns for months about parking, lighting and operating hours for the Resident Services and Day Care Center and swimming pool. They also worried about recent home and car burglaries.

Some say they need a bilingual staff member in the management office.

Frustrated residents turned for help recently to the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, which coordinated Thursday's meeting with Oaks managers, police and a Lowry Park Zoo representative who provided information on summer youth programs.

"My goal is to make the residents and homeowners happy," association member Christie Hess said. "We want everyone to understand what the roles and responsibilities are for all parties and try to open up lines of communication."

The Oaks replaced the nearly 60-year-old Riverview Terrace public housing complex, which was torn down in 2003. Three years ago, apartments opened as mixed-income rentals for families and seniors, and Lennar Homes began building 96 town homes and single-family bungalows.

Lennar representatives say they expect to reach build-out by October. Among the completed homes, only a few are unsold.

Base prices are about $140,000 for town homes and about $160,000 for bungalows. First-time buyers are eligible for low-interest loans.

The housing authority subsidizes 250 rentals and for 50 years is leasing the land to Maryland-based Riverview-Dyer Redevelopment, which owns The Oaks.

A nearly $20 million federal grant helped fund the $100 million-plus project, considered the new face of public housing with its blend of incomes and housing styles. Additional funds came from county bonds, state tax credits, private sources and the city.

Adam Alma moved into a bungalow with his wife, Charla, in October, and for the most part, "we've enjoyed it," he said.

Still, there have been frustrations.

Homeowners pay fees to maintain common areas, including the services center. But too often, they can't use the pool or fitness room because of limited operating hours, Adam Alma said.

Police have had frustrations trying to start a crime watch group. There have been at least five meetings, some well-attended but others not.

"That foothold, I really want to cultivate," police Capt. John Newman said. "I want them to know each other. ... I want them to see us as a resource. This is too important of a community.

"If there is anything you take from this meeting tonight, it's that communication is critical," he told residents last week. "Get used to calling us."

Leroy Moore, vice president of the housing authority, said money was set aside in the federal grant for items such as radios and T-shirts for the crime watch group.

In the past two weeks, a golf cart for patrolling the grounds arrived.

Platter said management is aware of the need for a bilingual staff member. Two Spanish-speaking maintenance employees are helping, he said.

"We're looking at expanding staff size. It's a funding issue," Platter said. "That person will be bilingual. It's looking promising."

Resident Angela Judge said additional lighting, beyond the TECO-promised poles, is needed. Resident Carlos Martins led a walking tour after the meeting to point out streets that need lighting.

Platter said he would contact TECO within the week.

Because the complex is nearing completion, the homeowners association - with a three-member board of developer and housing authority representatives - soon should expand to include three members elected by homeowners.

Judge, who grew up in the area, is happy she moved to The Oaks.

"I absolutely love it. If we can gel on this stuff, we can do fine."

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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