Submitted By: Marie Mesadieu
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala CRA Commercial Building Improvement grant for property located at 3318 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 (Case: CRA24-45793)
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
NA
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BACKGROUND: The intent of the East Ocala subarea Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Commercial Building Improvement Grant is to encourage business owners to make improvements to the building exterior facades, and sites. The repainting of the exterior of buildings is listed as priority and eligible work for reimbursement. In 2023, the maximum annual grant was increased to $20,000.00, and the CRA grant match was increased to 60 percent of the project cost. Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA24-45793
Applicant: NSC Theater, LLC
Address: 3318 East Silver Springs Boulevard
Project description: Pressure washing and repainting the exterior of the building
Low Quote: $34,800.00
Recommended grant amount: Not to exceed $20,000.00.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application was reviewed and processed in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria.
• This application was previously tabled from the September 28, 2024, Advisory Committee Meeting because there was not a quorum. It was later presented on the following meeting again on October 21, 2024.
• The property is located northeast of the intersection of East Silver Springs Boulevard and NE 7th St., one of the major corridors in the CRA. Repainting this building will significantly improve its appearance and prominence along that corridor.
• The applicant proposed a Mid Century Modern color pallete for the project, which was reviewed and approved by the Advisory Committee.
• The East Ocala Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the site on August 15, 2024, and recommended approval of the request.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee met on October 21, 2024, and recommended approval of the grant.
• A member of the committee had a conflict of interest for this application and was not able to vote on the approval decision. The signed conflict of interest form is attached.
• This grant covers up to 60 percent of the actual project costs.
Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. The East Ocala CRA Grant Account - 620-016-559-559-55-82010, has a balance of $549,631.50. The CRA is expected to make payments totaling $102,838.31 for approved projects scheduled to be completed in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny