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 1030 NE Third Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective:
The East Ocala CRA 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).
Property Information:
This property is a single-family residence constructed in 1901 and located within the East Ocala CRA. According to the Marion County Property Appraiser, the property has a 2025 taxable value of $136,900 and is situated on a 0.70-acre lot.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0026
Applicant: Richard Brinkley
Address: 1030 NE Third Street
Parcel ID: 2834-003-001
Scope of Work: Exterior painting and preparation of the primary residence and garage, including pressure washing, paint removal, surface preparation, caulking, priming, and application of exterior paint coatings.
High Quote: $31,500
Low Quote: $27,950
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $20,000
Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs. 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.
Bid Review:
The proposed project costs range from $27,950 to $31,500. Both estimates include extensive exterior surface preparation, including pressure washing, paint removal, caulking, priming, and the application of two finish coats of exterior paint. The proposed scope includes repainting the primary residence and the existing wood-sided portions of the detached garage. Metal wall panels located on portions of the garage are not included in the scope of work.
While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff find the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work. The variation in pricing appears attributable to differences in contractor approaches, materials, labor rates, and estimating practices rather than a material difference in the overall project scope.
Site Visit Review:
Staff completed a site visit on June 3, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given the deteriorated exterior paint and weathering. Repainting and associated surface preparation will improve the property's appearance, protect the historic structure from further deterioration, and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.
CRA Plan Compliance:
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.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation:
CRA26-0026 was presented to the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee on June 24, 2026. The Committee recommended approval of the application.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached maps - CRA26-0026, application packet - CRA26-0026, staff supporting documents - CRA26-0026, and grant framework.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. Disbursement occurs as reimbursement after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny