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City puts waterfront land under contract
By ED QUIOCO, Times Staff Writer OLDSMAR -- The City Council has moved closer to buying 6.7 waterfront acres for a cultural center by agreeing to put the $2.5-million deal under contract. The contract is contingent on several conditions, including an appraisal establishing that Roger and Lila Kumar's property is worth at least $2-million and a survey confirming the size of the lot. The city has until Dec. 30 to ratify the contract. Mayor Jerry Beverland, the chief supporter of the proposal, bragged about the property's potential. Talk of using the property for a cultural center and a passive park already has created a buzz, he said. Beverland says Oldsmar most likely would set up a governing board for the center, filled with "influential people who can help make it a success, a financial success." The city also could receive big private donations and more than $1-million in state grants for the purchase, Beverland said. Factoring those in, he estimated that the city could end up spending $1-million for the property. "This is going to end up being a very profitable venture down the road," Beverland said. "There are some things I can't say right now. But we will get some donations that are incredible." The Kumars, who have lived in Oldsmar for 30 years, are considering moving and wanted to give the city the first shot at buying their 6.7-acre property and 23,000-square-foot home at 202 Shore Drive E. The lot has 440 feet of waterfront with a sweeping view of the bay. The home is the first floor of a hotel built in the 1920s as part of city founder R.E. Old's vision for the city.
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From the Times |
