TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Housing Authority is working to bring some holiday cheer to residents of the Robles Park housing development, one of the areas impacted by the discovery of possible African American graves.

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The agency put a community Christmas tree up in a playground at the complex.

"Our goal was to just engage residents and celebrate the holidays with them," said Walter Guy, Robles Park property manager.

Recently, archaeologists discovered possible coffins from the forgotten Zion Cemetery under a portion of the property.

Since then, the housing authority has been working to relocate 29 families who were living in buildings on that land.

"Moving is always an extra effort for families, but we wanted to let them know that they have our support," said Guy.

Rema Iman lives in Robles Park and is the president of the Resident Council.

She said neighbors have been struggling with the thought that they might have been living on top of a cemetery.

"There's certain residents that said there were spirits and we looked at them like they were crazy, but for this to come out now, I see where they were coming from," she said.   

Iman said she appreciates the tree lighting.

"You see nothing but smiles and happiness now," she said.

Plans are to eventually redevelop the entire Robles Park housing complex, as well as place a memorial at the Zion Cemetery site.