Submitted By: Tye Chighizola
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Presentation By: Tye Chighizola
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve new grant program for residential façade and property improvements in North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The intention of the North Magnolia CRA Imagine North Magnolia Residential Façade and Property Improvement Grant program is to encourage owner-occupants of single-family homes in the Marion Heights neighborhood (see attached map) to make exterior improvements to their homes and property. Of the forty-one (41) homes in the neighborhood, fourteen (14) are owner-occupied. This grant program is a component of a comprehensive revitalization plan for the neighborhood. The revitalization plan also includes construction of new housing, sewer and water line extensions, a neighborhood park and commercial development along North Magnolia Avenue.
The framework of the proposed residential grant program is similar to the North Magnolia CRA Commercial Property program. The eligible work elements are: (1) Exterior painting/paint removal for the entire building; including exterior cleaning and/or repair/replacement of facade details/materials - doors, walls, trim and exterior lighting; (2) Repair or replacement of windows, awnings; (3) New landscaping area (trees and shrubs) visible from the street/sidewalk, removal of hazardous trees; (4) fencing; (5) reroofing. The maximum grant is $10,000 and the required match is 25% of project cost. Once the program for owner-occupied homes is underway, a grant for rental properties may be considered.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The North Magnolia CRA Imagine North Magnolia Residential Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program is a necessary component of the comprehensive revitalization strategy for the neighborhood. Staff met with several property owners in the neighborhood to learn about their needs. The grant for residential renovations will help to keep existing housing stock in good repair and improve the appearance of the neighborhood. Improving the existing housing will encourage construction of new housing.
At their meeting, November 19, 2021, the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee recommended approval of the program. The Committee finds that the program is an integral step in initiating the neighborhood revitalization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No additional money is being requested for this program. The North Magnolia Grant Program 622-016-553-559-55-82010 has a balance of $109,546, which includes $20,000 budgeted for FY 22, and $89,546 that will be rolled over from FY 21. This balance will be used to fund both the commercial and residential grants through FY 22.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with changes
• Deny
• Table