Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency Residential Property Improvement Grant application for vacant parcel 2834-004-101, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make targeted improvements that address neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA. This improvement aligns with the grant program's purpose and the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). According to the Findings of Necessity, there is a high number of structures of subpar quality in the East Ocala CRA
The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work. Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount to be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA26-0007
Applicant: TC Opportunity III, LLC
Parcel ID: 2834-004-101
Project Description: The project is to construct a new single-family home on vacant property in the East Ocala CRA.
High Quote: $220,257
Low Quote: $216,900
Recommended Grant Amount: $20,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The property is located within the East Ocala CRA, complies with the program guide, and work will begin after approval.
• Construction of new single-family homes is listed as an eligible work item under the grant program, targeting redevelopment of vacant properties in neighborhoods. This vacant parcel is located at the corner of NE Third Street and NE 10th Avenue.
• The Minnow Model floor plan, included in the attached architectural sheet, features a three-bedroom, two-bath layout and single-car garage configuration.
o The home offers 1,372 square feet of living area, a 273-square-foot garage, a 92-square-foot front entry, and a 248-square-foot covered patio, for a total of 1,985 square feet.
• Staff conducted a site visit on December 29, 2025, to review the site conditions and discuss the proposed project with the applicant’s representative.
• The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character. This property offers an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization.
o Goal 3: Improve vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that hinder corridor and neighborhood redevelopment.
• The home will be leased at rental limits under 120 percent of the area median income (AMI) in accordance with Chapter 106 of the City of Ocala, which pertains to affordable housing requirements.
• The East Ocala CRA Residential Improvement Grant will be applied only to physical improvements to the property. The applicant will request reimbursement from the Housing Incentive Fund exclusively for eligible fees, such as building permits, and water, sewer, and fire impact fees. To ensure compliance, no invoice or cost will be submitted to both programs, preventing any duplication of funding.
• The home will connect to City utilities upon completion.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grant under consideration. Payment will be made from the East Ocala CRA grant account (620-016-559-559-55-82010) in the fiscal year when the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: NA
LEGAL REVIEW: NA
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with changes.
• Table
• Deny