Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Charlita Whitehead
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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West Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1963 SW 3rd Street, in an amount not to exceed $18,567
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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 attached grant framework for a list of eligible improvements.
Grant ID: CRA25-0037
Parcel ID: 2260-133-022
Address: 1963 SW 3rd Street
Owner/Applicant: Wessley Woodberry
Project Description: Replacement of a Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) unit and installation of new landscaping.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The property is located within the West Ocala CRA boundary, and the home was constructed in 1975.
• The Applicant was awarded a CRA grant in December 2024. The Applicant successfully completed the replacement of windows and installation of a new perimeter fence. The final project cost totaled $25,553, of which the CRA reimbursed $19,165.
• Replacing the HVAC unit will increase energy efficiency and improve indoor comfort for its occupants. The landscaping improvements will further help to enhance the visual appearance of the property and contribute to improving the character of the neighborhood.
• During the site visit on November 18, 2025, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) discussed the grant application and reviewed the proposed project with the property owner. Mrs. Antonnette Hunt represented the Advisory Committee at this meeting.
• The subject parcel is a non-contributing property to the CRA fund because of its tax exemption status. The owner is the beneficiary of a 100% Veteran Total exemption and currently pays no property taxes. This change was applied after the 2024 tax year. Typically, grant requests from tax exempt property are reviewed at the end of the fiscal year, once they fit within the intent of the grant program.
• Currently, there are no other applications for consideration and there is sufficient funds available to support this project.
• Staff recommend approval of the grant based on a review of the information presented.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny