Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready): title
Approve the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Improvement Grant for property located at 325 NE 11th Avenue in the amount of $6,000 (CRA24-45724)
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The intent of the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Improvement Grant program is to encourage homeowners to make interior and exterior improvements to buildings, while adding value within the CRA and reversing deteriorating trends in the area. In March 2024, the program was revised to include several categories for home improvement. Per the grant guidelines, exterior repainting is listed as an eligible improvement that can be reimbursed through the program. The maximum grant that can be awarded annually is $20,000 and the required applicant match is 25 percent of the project costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application underwent review in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. On June 20, 2024, the East Ocala Grant Review Committee visited the site and recommended approval of the request. On June 26, 2024, the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee recommended approval.
The property features two buildings, each currently painted in different colors. The proposed project aims to unify the appearance of both buildings with colors approved by the Advisory Committee. The grant amount is based on the lower quote received for each work item. For additional details, including photos of the existing condition, quotes, proposed colors, and the completed application, please refer to the attached application packet. Staff recommends approval of the grant.
Table 1 - Grant request summary
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Grant Project # |
CRA24-45724 |
|
Address |
325 NE 11th Avenue |
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Owner/Applicant |
Mary Guilfoil |
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Low Quote |
$8000 |
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Grant Amount |
$6000 (Maximum) |
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grant request being considered. Currently, there is a balance of $365,642 in the East Ocala CRA grant account (620-016-559-559-55-82010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny