Submitted By: James Haynes
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Presentation By: James Haynes
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Department: Community Development Services
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the award of development opportunity to, and an Affordable Housing Agreement with, the Ocala Housing Authority to construct and rent an affordable housing unit on surplus property (Parcel ID: 2195-131-000) located in West Ocala.
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
In April 2023, at its annual strategic planning session, Ocala’s City Council established addressing the affordable housing shortage as one of its major strategic initiatives. In response to this initiative, City staff formed an Affordable Housing Initiative Team to develop ideas and implement strategies to engage for-profit and not-for-profit developers in developing single-family and multi-family affordable housing projects. The initial “surplus lots” list was established, and an infill strategy was initiated to build single-family structures on scattered sites.
By and through Resolution 2023-40, adopted by City Council on September 19, 2023, the City currently holds an inventory of vacant lots located throughout the city it intends to offer for sale to qualified for-profit and non-profit developers, builders, partnerships, and/or agencies to develop and construct new affordable housing units.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The Ocala Housing Authority (OHA) is a not-for-profit provider of housing services to approximately 1500 families throughout Marion County, including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 Homeownership, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), housing development, new construction, rental properties, financial fitness, family self-sufficiency, and home buyer education.
The property OHA intends to develop is more formally described as: SEC 12 TWP 15 RGE 21 PLAT BOOK C PAGE 098 BUNCHE HEIGHTS LOTS 131.132 (Parcel ID: 2195-131-000). This property is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of NW 16th Street and NW 18th Avenue.
The proposed purchase price is one dollar, along with OHA’s performance of the Requirements under the agreement. The City will provide a City Incentive of $3,714 as a property donation. This amount represents the assessed value ($3,715) of the property as determined by the Marion County Property Appraiser (MCPA), less the monetary portion of the purchase price ($1).
OHA will be required to construct at least one duplex with a minimum of 900 gross square footage (SF) of livable area per unit and include at least two bedrooms and one bathroom per unit. The attached agreement sets forth the responsibilities of OHA and the City to successfully complete the project. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the property will be connected to City electric, water, and sewer services.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
The Procurement and Contracting Officer has reviewed the Affordable Housing Agreement in accordance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny