Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1138 NE Ninth Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective:
The East 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).
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0009
Applicant: TC Opportunity IV, LLC
Applicant Representative: Veronica Bass/Robert Jenkins Jr.
Address: 1138 NE Ninth Street
Parcel ID: 2614-016-005
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves the complete replacement and installation of the roof and windows, the installation of insulation, and repainting.
High Quote(s): $50,155
Low Quote(s): $31,986
Recommended Grant Amount: $20,000
Property Information:
This property is a single-family residence built in 1954. It has a taxable value of $142,635, a structure size of 2,306 square feet, and sits on a 0.26-acre lot. The home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Maximum Grant Amount:
The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs and 50 percent of roofing improvement costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review:
Staff verified the property location within the CRA, compliance with the program guide, and confirmed that work will begin after approval.
The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging housing stock and substandard structures, improving livability, visual quality, and economic development prosperity.
Site Visit Review:
Staff completed a site visit on March 31, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given that:
• The existing windows are in poor condition. Many of them do not open properly or are completely inoperable, creating safety issues, reducing ventilation, and limiting emergency egress. In addition, the frames and seals are deteriorated, allowing air and moisture to intrude and leading to further structural damage. Replacing deteriorated windows improves safety, energy efficiency, and street-facing aesthetics, aligning with CRA residential improvement goals.
• The current roof is significantly worn and no longer provides adequate protection from the elements. There are visible signs of aging, including material deterioration, potential leaks, and compromised areas of the roofing structure. Without replacement, these issues can lead to water intrusion, mold, and long-term structural damage. Roof repairs or full reroofing address water intrusion and structural integrity. A new roof is necessary to prevent further deterioration and restore the property to a safe and secure condition.
• The insulation throughout the structure is inadequate and no longer performs to maintain proper temperature control or energy efficiency. The existing insulation shows signs of deterioration, gaps, and settling, which allow heat, moisture, and air to infiltrate the building. This contributes to higher energy costs, inconsistent indoor temperatures, and unnecessary strain on the heating and cooling systems. Installing new insulation improves energy efficiency and livability, consistent with CRA residential program goals for aging housing stock.
• Exterior surfaces require pressure washing and repairs to ensure paint adhesion and durability; worn paint exposes materials, so repainting restores protection, longevity, and CRA-aligned property improvement.
This is a 2,306-square-foot home. The owners acquired the home in February 2026 and have made some improvements on their own. The current scope of work includes the complete replacement of the roof, windows, and insulation, as well as pressure washing to prepare surfaces for interior and exterior painting.
Property taxes are current and fully paid.
CRA Plan Compliance:
The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character. In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment, and Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse, this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization. Funding will be provided through the CRA Trust Fund, consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and the requirements of Florida Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. Disbursement occurs as reimbursement 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
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny