BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Last summer, a Tampa Heights apartment complex was drawn into the spotlight after a teenager was killed by police. As residents in the complex voiced concerns about the shooting, they also talked about their living conditions.
On July 22, 2012 16-year-old Javon Neal was fatally shot by police officers. The tragedy occurred after Neal ran up three flights of stairs and ignored officer’s orders to stop.
The tragedy made local leaders focus on what could be done to assist in improving the quality of life for the residents of Central Court Apartments.
City Councilman Frank Reddick listened to the residents and began efforts to address their concerns. On Tuesday, March 27th, at 10 a.m., Councilman Reddick will hold a press conference to announce the renovations and facelift of the Central Court Apartment Complex, 2510 N. Central Avenue. He has been in constant contact with the owners of the complex.
Councilman Reddick is inviting community leaders, Tampa Heights residents, and other concerned citizens to join him at the press conference.
Councilman Reddick said, “Many complained of bad plumbing, electricity issues, and inoperable appliances. Some of the apartment’s inhabitants said they felt as though they were in a jail the way fences were arranged on the inside and outside of the building.”
In April 2013, the apartment ownership will address some of the negative feelings and grumblings about Central Court.
After several months of discussion and planning, Central Court Apartments will go through major renovations. Each of the 68 units will receive new appliances, plumbing, air handler units, and windows, among other improvements. There will also be a large amount of work done to the exterior of the building involving the roof, painting, lighting, and landscaping.
Councilman Reddick said none of the current residents will be displaced outside the apartment complex during this process. A moving crew will be hired to move families to a transitional unit within the complex and will be moved back into their renovated apartment within 2½ to 3 weeks. Six families will be moved at a time with no additional cost to the residents.
Councilman Reddick further stated that he is excited to see that residents will have newly renovated apartments and the owners of Central Court apartments have listened to the voices of the tenants.
He also credits Peter Leach and his staff, with listening to the residents and working to address their issues and concerns.
