Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for 2036 NW Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $11,546
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is designed to incentivize reinvestment in aging structures, address blight conditions, and enhance livability and taxable value. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information: This property is a single-family residence built in 1973. Current taxable value is $117,527, with a structure size of 1,116 square foot, on a 0.33-acre lot. The home includes three bedrooms and one bathroom. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0031
Applicant: Ramona Williamson
Address: 2036 NW 2nd Street, Ocala, FL 34475
Parcel ID: 2260-148-013
Scope of Work: The project includes exterior painting with surface preparation, minor repairs, and installation of a new metal roof.
High Quotes: $23,689
Low Quotes: $15,394
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $11,546
The applicant is applying for the first time and is employed by the City of Ocala.
Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified the property is in the CRA, complies with guidelines, and work will begin after approval. The project aims to address slum and blight, enhancing livability, appearance, and economic growth. This is the owner's first CRA grant application.
Project Costs and Scope of Work Review: Both painting estimates included comparable scopes of work consisting of exterior surface preparation and repainting of the residence.
• Both contractors recommend a 26-gauge metal roof, but Layfield Roofing includes five plywood sheets and extra framing lumber in the base price, whereas Big D Roofing charges separately for decking replacement, if required.
• The remaining difference reflects contractor pricing for labor and materials. Staff determined that both estimates represent comparable scopes of work.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on July 7, 2026, and confirmed the existing site conditions and proposed scope of work.
• The existing roof has exceeded its useful life and exhibits visible deterioration, making replacement necessary to protect the structure from continued weather exposure and potential water intrusion. Replacement of the roof will improve the home's structural integrity, durability, and long-term maintenance.
• Staff also observed deterioration of the exterior painted surfaces, including fading, peeling, and weathering. The proposed exterior preparation and repainting will restore the protective coating, improve curb appeal, extend the life of the exterior materials, which supports the CRA program's objective of encouraging reinvestment in residential properties.
CRA Plan Compliance: The proposed project aligns with the West Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan, supporting objectives to remediate blighted properties.
• In accordance with Goal 3 - Improve vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties, including Objectives 4, 6, and 7 - Establish remediation programs, seek partnerships, and identify areas for new housing opportunities. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including case maps, application packet, staff supporting documents, and grant framework
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The proposed project was reviewed by the Advisory Committee on July 16, 2026, and the Committee supports moving forward with the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT: Adequate funding is available in the West Ocala CRA Grants account 623-016-560-559-55-82010. The reimbursement will be paid after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny