Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve a Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 903 NE 2nd Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
end
body
BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property
Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA.
The maximum grant amount that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to seventy-five percent of the eligible project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. Refer to the attached documents for the completed application, maps, quotes and other applicant documents.
Grant ID: CRA25-0029
Applicants: Joy Talmadge
Address: 903 NE 2nd Street
Parcel ID: 2820-044-002
Project Description: Repairing and repainting exterior walls, installing a new fence and making landscaping improvements.
Low Quote: $37,361
High Quote: $42,663
Recommended Grant Amount: $20,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The application meets all eligibility requirements and qualifies for grant consideration. Each property owner may submit one application per fiscal year. Ms. Talmadge has applied for a grant in the current year; however, the application was submitted for a different property.
• The applicant recently acquired this property and is making improvements before putting the property back into use. Currently, it is being considered for medium to long term rentals.
• This home was built in 1948 and is currently vacant. The last improvement on record was made in 2022, where the roof was replaced. Since the Applicant acquired the property, she has cleaned up a lot of the debris previously located onsite and is currently maintaining the building to bring it back to full use.
• The property has had issues with a homeless encampment and replacing the fence will adequately enclose the back section of the property and improve security. The lot spans approximately 0.29 acre.
• The proposed improvement aligns with the objectives of the grant program and supports the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). As noted in the Findings of Necessity, the East Ocala CRA contains numerous structures of substandard quality, and this project contributes to the area's revitalization.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visit took place on August 18, 2025. The GRC agree that the proposed improvements will greatly improve the curb appeal and add to the character of the neighborhood. The GRC discussed the planned improvements and potential uses that fit within the zoning classification.
• Per the program guidelines, the proposed work items are eligible to be funded at a seventy-five percent match. Staff recommend approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny