Submitted By: James Haynes
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Presentation By: James Haynes
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Department: Community Development Services
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve Carrfour Supportive Housing, Inc.’s request for funding to pay building and impact fees associated with the production of 59 affordable housing units in the amount of $131,928
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The Saving Mercy Corporation (Saving Mercy) is a non-profit organization in Ocala that provides affordable housing and case management services to at-risk and vulnerable homeless individuals. Saving Mercy has partnered with Carrfour Supportive Housing Inc. (Carrfour) of Miami, Florida, on a project called Mercy Village. Phase I of the project, which aligns with Ocala's strategic goals of Quality of Place and Economic Hub, will produce 59 new one-bedroom apartments for residents at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) and persons coming out of homelessness.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: On or about March 4, 2024, Carrfour applied to the City to access Affordable Housing Funds to offset the building and impact fees associated with constructing 59 new one-bedroom affordable housing units in the City of Ocala. During the review of Carrfour's application, it was determined that nearly 90 percent of the Affordable Housing Fund expense account was already encumbered, and this application could not be met fully without going into the fund's reserves. The proposed project is within the West Ocala CRA, and the associated building and impact fees are eligible to be paid from the West Ocala CRA fund. This will allow the city to maximize its ability to support the production of affordable housing units. This project is scheduled to be completed in Fiscal Year 2024-25. A budget resolution will be presented for approval to make funds available for grant payment at project completion. The staff is fully supportive of this project and recommends its approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: The West Ocala CRA has a balance of $1,566,676 in the reserve account (623-099-999-559-81-99999). This investment in affordable housing will have a significant positive impact on our community.
623-016-560-559-55-82010 $131,928
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: This agenda item will be reviewed by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny