Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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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, 1113 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $18,932
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is designed to incentivize reinvestment in aging structures, address blight conditions, and enhance livability and taxable value. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0017
Applicant: Walter Demshock / Kelli Demshock
Address: 1113 NE Second Street
Parcel ID: 2834-002-106
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes the full installation of a perimeter fence and the replacement of 12 windows, along with all associated preparatory work.
Quote(s): High Quote(s): $33,938 Low Quote(s): $25,242
Recommended Grant Amount: $18,932
Property Information: This property is a single-family, two-bedroom one bathroom residence built in 1948. The 1,335 square foot house sits on a 0.14-acre lot and has a taxable value of $100,485.
Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs and 50 percent of roof improvements. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified the property's location within the CRA, compliance with the program guide, and confirmed that work will begin after approval. The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging housing stock and substandard structures, improving livability, visual quality, and economic development prosperity.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on April 21, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the existing perimeter fencing shows signs of deterioration, impacting both safety and the overall appearance of the property.
• The fence appeared to be old, damaged, and structurally weakened. In addition, the fence is visibly worn, leaning, rusted, and missing components, which negatively affect the area's visual quality and can contribute to neighborhood blight.
• Improving the condition of perimeter fencing, therefore, plays an important role in enhancing curb appeal and maintaining the integrity of surrounding residential areas.
• Prep work includes removing damaged materials, leveling or clearing the installation area, verifying property lines, checking for underground utilities, and ensuring proper drainage helps prevent future structural issues and prolongs the lifespan of the fence.
The existing windows are in poor condition. Many do not open properly or are completely inoperable, creating safety issues, reducing ventilation, and limiting emergency egress. In addition, the frames and seals have deteriorated, allowing air and moisture to enter, which can lead to further structural damage. Replacing deteriorated windows improves safety, energy efficiency, and street-facing aesthetics, aligning with CRA residential improvement goals.
CRA Plan Compliance: East Ocala: 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. In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment, and Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse, this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization. Funding will be provided through the CRA Trust Fund, consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and the requirements of Florida Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III.
Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval as the project meets CRA goals, improves safety and appearance, and supports neighborhood revitalization through eligible improvements. Refer to the attached applicant documents and staff supporting documents.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The application was reviewed at the April 29, 2026, East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee meeting. The Committee requested clarification on the quotes provided for the windows. The Applicant provided this information.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant will be paid from the East Ocala CRA Grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010). The CRA budgeted $400,000 for grant funding and has approved $382,215 to date, leaving a remaining balance of $17,785. The proposed grant amount of $18,932 is subject to approval of the budget resolution being presented at this meeting. If the budget resolution is not approved, the award will be limited to $17,785.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny