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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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 937 NE 3rd Street, in an amount not to exceed $6,374
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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 75 percent of the 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: CRA25-0039
Applicants: David Ross
Address: 937 NE 3rd Street
Parcel ID: 2832-037-000
Project Description: The proposed project includes the replacement of an existing HVAC system serving the property’s detached guest house.
Low Quote: $8,499
High Quote: $8,975
Recommended Grant Amount: $6,374
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The application meets all eligibility requirements and qualifies for grant consideration. Each property owner is limited to submitting one application per fiscal year. Mr. Ross previously received a CRA grant in 2022 and 2024 for repainting and reroofing respectively.
• This 1,064-square-foot home is the applicant’s primary residence. The current scope of work includes full replacement of the HVAC system serving the detached guest house to restore functionality and energy efficiency.
• The existing system, installed in 2006, has reached the end of its useful life. During the most recent service visit in July, 2025, the HVAC contractor advised that the unit could fail at any time and is not worth repairing due to age and condition.
• The proposed improvement aligns with the objectives of the Residential Property Improvement 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 aging and substandard structures. This project contributes to the area’s revitalization by addressing deferred maintenance and improving overall livability.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) conducted a site visit on October 13, 2025, and observed that replacement of the HVAC system was warranted given its age and condition. The applicant indicated that it would be cost-prohibitive to complete the work without grant assistance.
Staff recommends approval of the East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for 937 NE 3rd Street, in an amount not to exceed $6,374.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting, in the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010). The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny