Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property identified by parcel number 2856-006-015, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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BACKGROUND:
One of the statutory functions of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to undertake activities that facilitate the redevelopment and improvement of properties. Incentive programs encouraging private investment in properties have proven successful in carrying out this redevelopment function.
The CRA residential grant programs encourage homeowners to make improvements that enhance the CRA, increase safety, and reverse deteriorating trends in specific neighborhoods. Preserving and expanding the supply of appropriately maintained housing is crucial in improving affordability while reducing conditions of blight.
Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum grant that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs. Refer to the grant framework attached for a list of eligible improvements.
Grant ID: CRA25-0030
Applicants: Dwan Thomas
Parcel ID: 2856-006-015
Project Description: The applicant proposes construction of a new single-family residence of approximately 1,200 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a one-car garage.
Total Project Cost: $136,000
Recommended Grant Amount: $20,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The project consists of a new 1,200 square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a one-car garage, living room, and dining area. The home is expected to be listed for sale at $230,000.
• Because this is new construction with estimated project costs exceeding the minimum required to obtain the maximum grant, the applicant does not require two quotes. Instead, a detailed budget breakdown and supporting architectural documents have been provided. Attachments include building elevations and plans.
• The applicant’s representative, Dwan Thomas, serves on the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee but was not present at the meeting at which this item was considered and, therefore, did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visit took place on September 4, 2025. Ms. Antoinette Hunt represented the Advisory Committee at this visit.
• The project supports West Ocala CRA objectives by providing affordable housing and promoting neighborhood revitalization through new infill development.
o In alignment with Goal 3: Improve vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that act as barriers to corridor redevelopment and negatively impact surrounding property values.
§ Objective 5: Establish a land acquisition program with code enforcement liens, tax delinquencies, and other blighted characteristics for redevelopment purposes.
§ Objective 7: Identify suitable areas of West Ocala for the development of new housing opportunities that incorporate energy-efficient materials and appliances. The project contributes to neighborhood stabilization and supports sustainable residential growth.
• This property was conveyed to the applicant as part of the City’s initiative to redevelop surplus property identified as suitable for affordable housing. The project represents a reinvestment of publicly held land to support attainable homeownership opportunities within the West Ocala CRA. By returning the property to productive use and ensuring it is occupied by a qualified low- to moderate-income household for a minimum of ten years, the project advances the City’s broader goals of stabilizing neighborhoods, expanding the supply of affordable housing, and encouraging long-term private investment in the area.
• Improving the vacant property is expected to achieve its highest and best use, thereby increasing its taxable value for the CRA.
West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation
On September 24, 2025, the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed the application and
recommended approval of the grant. The Advisory Committee agreed that this was an appropriate use of CRA funds.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend approval of the grant based on a review of the information presented and the project’s alignment with the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the West Ocala CRA grants account (623-016-560-559-55-82010) for the grants under consideration at this meeting. Payment will be issued in the fiscal year in which the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny