Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Charlita Whitehead
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1525 NE 8th Ave, in an amount not to exceed $13,590.
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BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant encourages exterior façade improvements as a strategy to counter neighborhood deterioration and increase property values throughout the CRA. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $50,000, covering up to 60 percent of the project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. Refer to the attached documents for the entire application packet.
Grant ID: CRA25-0035
Applicant: NSC 8th Ave, LLC
Address: 1525 NE 8th Ave
Parcel ID: 2600-028-000
Project Description: Installation of a mural on the building façade fronting 8th Avenue.
Quote: $22,650
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 property is located within the boundaries of the East Ocala Community Redevelopment subarea.
- The building, constructed in 1974, is used for storage units with several active business tenants.
- This is the first mural application to be considered under the new CRA mural program.
- The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC) reviewed the application on August 6, 2025, and recommended approval, using their expertise in public art to evaluate the project.
- The selected artist, Justin Alsedek, is already included on the City’s Public Artist Roster.
- Normally, two comparable bids are required for each work item; however, since this is an art project with an artist selected by the property owner, multiple bids were not required. A project budget and Public Art Project Detail Sheet are included with the application.
- The proposed mural at 1521 NE 8th Avenue aligns with CRA goals by advancing beautification, place-making, and economic revitalization. With imagery of local wildlife, native flora, and symbols of growth and community, the mural is intended to celebrate East Ocala’s cultural and environmental identity.
- Located on a small business center along a visible corridor, the mural will transform a plain façade into a point of interest that encourages foot traffic, supports existing businesses, and enhances the visual appeal of the neighborhood.
- By promoting public art and improving the aesthetic character of the built environment, the project directly supports the CRA’s mission to foster community engagement, attract investment, and stimulate economic activity.
Staff recommend approval, in an amount not to exceed $13,590.
ALTERNATIVE:
- Approve with Changes
- Table
- Deny