Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve an East Ocala CRA Commercial Building Improvement grant for property located at 910 NE 8th Avenue, in amount not to exceed $10,592.65 (Case: CRA24-45860)
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
BACKGROUND: The intent of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) East Ocala subarea Commercial Building Improvement Grant Program is to encourage business owners to make improvements to building exterior facades and sites. Facade enhancements, including the replacement of windows and doors, are listed as a priority work eligible 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#: |
CRA24-45860 |
|
Applicant: |
Empire Construction |
|
Address: |
910 NE 8th Avenue |
|
Project Description: |
Replacement of windows to enhance the building facade. |
|
Low Quote: |
$17,654.42 |
|
Recommended Grant Amount: |
Not to exceed $10,592.65 |
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are presented below:
• The property is located along one of the main corridors in the CRA. The improvements will benefit both the applicant and the CRA, as the building is visible from NE 8th Avenue.
• The improvements will increase the building’s energy efficiency, enhance the facade, and improve protection from extreme weather events.
• The use was changed from residential to office spaces in 1985 and has been used as the Applicant’s main office for the past three years.
• The East Ocala Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the site and met with the applicant on October 15, 2024. The Committee discussed the existing conditions, future improvements, and received clarifications on the proposed scope of work.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on October 21, 2024, and recommended approval of the grant with conditions.
o The Advisory Committee approved the grant on the condition that the applicant install white windows and trim to remain consistent with the existing color scheme. The applicant originally proposed a black color scheme for the windows and trim but agreed to the requested changes.
• At completion, the project will be inspected to ensure that the applicant complied with the revised scope before reimbursement.
• The grant covers up to 60 percent of actual project costs.
Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $10,592.65.
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
• Approve with changes
• Deny
• Table