Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 956 NE Fifth Street, in an amount not to exceed $12,289
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, 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 exterior facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA.
The maximum 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. The entire application packet is attached.
|
Grant ID # |
CRA25-0007 |
|
Applicant |
Ben Chupp |
|
Address |
956 NE Fifth St |
|
Parcel ID |
2831-100-000 |
|
Project Description |
Replace windows |
|
Low Quote |
$16,385 |
|
Recommended Grant Amount |
$12,289 |
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the
grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
• The home was built in 1950.
• The windows that will be replaced are original to the building. The homeowner has previously replaced some of the windows on the home. This grant will allow them to replace the remaining windows.
• Per the application, “Several of the windows are currently cracked and do not open/stay open. Replacing the windows will increase the safety of the home in the event of an emergency and increase the energy efficiency of the house.
• The price difference between the two bids is primarily due to one vendor utilizing subcontractors for some or all of the labor. Subcontracting can lead to higher costs as it often involves additional management fees, overhead expenses, or markups.
• The homeowner would not be able to afford the expense of replacing the remaining windows without the assistance of the grant program.
• The application meets the requirements and is eligible for grant consideration.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on April 15, 2025. The home was found to be in good condition and well-maintained.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended approval of this application on July 25, 2025.
Please refer to the attached documents for the application packet and approved grant framework. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting, with a balance of $227,975.45 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 with Changes
• Table
• Deny