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Center for kids breaks ground
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN, Times Staff Writer
DADE CITY -- Workers broke ground this week on a new before and after school center for children in Tommytown that will feature language and computer labs, as well as basketball courts. A $730,000 federal community development block grant to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Dade City makes the construction possible. In addition to the labs, GED classes will be offered at the 6,541 square foot center, which also will feature two community rooms, said Redlands area coordinator Angelica Herrera. "It's basically to try to get the young kids more things to do -- keep them busy so they are not out (spraying) graffiti on buildings," Herrera said. She expects construction to be complete by Dec. 14. The new building will be located across from the Redlands association's Migrant Head Start Center on 14th Street. Currently, the Redlands association rents after school space on Clinton Avenue and must bus children there, she said. It has 60 slots for children; the new site will have 80. The new site primarily will cater to children ages 5 to 12 who are daughters and sons of migrant laborers or the working poor, Herrera said. George Romagnoli, manager of County Community Development, which administers the grant, said the new site will complement his department's $10-million redevelopment plan in Tommytown. That plan includes new water and sewer infrastructure, and new sidewalks. Redlands was awarded the grant based on its application and its reputable track record, he said. "Our department's office in Dade City is in their building on 14th Street," he said, "so we've seen them up close for years." -- Saundra Amrhein can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6244, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6244. Her e-mail address is amrhein@sptimes.com
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