Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
presenter
Presentation By: Charlita Whitehead
end
Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
title
Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 130 NW 17th Street, in an amount not to exceed $4,221
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
BACKGROUND:
The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant was established to encourage property owners in Marion Heights and surrounding neighborhoods to make lasting improvements to their homes and property. This grant supports efforts to maintain the existing housing stock in good repair and ensure that utilities and infrastructure remain up to date. Strengthening and preserving current housing conditions will also help stimulate the development of new residential construction in the area.
The grant framework is attached, detailing the eligible work items and the required grant match. Please refer to the attached framework for full information. Conversion from septic to the City’s sanitary sewer system qualifies for reimbursement of 100% of the project costs.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0005
Applicant: Jack Eason - Kimberly Jack Homes LLC
Address: 130 NW 17th Street
Parcel ID: 25827-001-00
Project Description: Conversion from septic to City sanitary sewer.
High Quote: $7,500
Low Quote: $4,221
Recommended Grant Amount: $4,221
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. The key findings are outlined below.
• In 2023, the CRA improved water and sewer infrastructure in the Marion Heights community. With adequate infrastructure now in place, residents were encouraged to take advantage of the 100% reimbursement offered for converting to City sanitary sewer services.
• The property is currently operating as a short‑term rental, providing temporary accommodation for visitors.
• On September 3, 2024, the applicant was awarded a CRA grant in the amount of $17,690.21 to complete reroofing, fencing, attic insulation, and HVAC installation with associated electrical work. The project was successfully completed.
• According to program guidelines, applicants must agree to maintain improvements funded through the CRA for a minimum of five years. The applicant has not completed any similar improvements in the last five years.
• The Grant Review Committee site visit was held on December 29, 2025. Mr. David McCollister represented the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee at this meeting.
• This project aligns with the housing goal stated in the North Magnolia Redevelopment Plan which supports a balanced mixed-use neighborhood by encouraging diverse housing options in appropriate areas, including the cleanup and rehabilitation of existing housing.
Staff Recommendation
• Staff recommend approval of a Residential Property Improvement Grant (CRA25-0005) for property located at 130 NW 17th Street, in an amount not to exceed $4,221.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is sufficient funding in the North Magnolia Ocala CRA grants account (622-016-553-559-55-82010), which currently has a balance of $167,867.11. Payment will be made in the fiscal year in which the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny