EAST TAMPA - Cancel out one blighted mobile home park. In its place, add a modern but affordable apartment complex.

Brandywine Apartments is the kind of public-private project that city officials and developers say will boost East Tampa's redevelopment.

"Today we're taking another little step in moving East Tampa forward," Mayor Pam Iorio told about 30 people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 27.

The 144-unit complex, 5029 N. 40th St., has two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer connections, walk-in closets, central heat and air, and satellite television. The complex also has a clubhouse, fitness center, children's activity room and playground.

Rents for income-qualifying residents start at $649 a month. The Richman Group of Florida, the developer, also participates in a rent-to-save program where a percentage of each month's rent can be set aside for down payment on a first home.

The Housing Finance Authority of Hillsborough County helps with low-interest mortgage loans.

The finance authority, the Florida Housing Finance Corp. and the city partnered with The Richman Group on the project, which included a $1.6 million loan from Citi Community Capital and $8.7 million in tax-exempt bonds.

The Richman Group purchased Fort Brooke Mobile Home Park in 2005. Police said the park was mostly vacant and crime-infested.

Iorio's administration has made East Tampa redevelopment a priority since 2003. Among major projects were construction of a District 3 police headquarters on North 22nd Street and a makeover of a portion of East Lake Avenue.

Brandywine is within the East Tampa community redevelopment area bordered by Hillsborough Avenue, Interstates 275 and 4, and the city limits. Local property taxes from the area are reinvested in community projects, but they were not used for Brandywine, East Tampa redevelopment manager Ed Johnson said.

In 2006, The Richman Group opened an affordable-housing complex - Meridian Pointe Apartments - on East Hillsborough Avenue.

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