Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 2405 NW Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $10,781
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make exterior facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA. Goal 3, Objective 6 of the West Ocala CRA Plan encourages directing CRA funds toward upgrading blighted housing and removing unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
In March 2024, the program framework was approved by the CRA Board and includes several categories for home improvements. The framework was further revised in April 2025, adding termite tenting to the list of work eligible for a grant. Please refer to the attached grant framework for a complete list of eligible work. Each property owner may submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount to be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0018
Applicant: Dennis Johnson
Address: 2405 NW Second Street
Parcel ID: 2260-207-002
Project Description: The applicant is requesting a grant to replace the roof on the home. A summary of the work items and quotes received is presented in the table below.
Low Quote: $14,374
Recommended Grant
Amount: Not to exceed $10,781
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The key findings are outlined below:
• The home was built in 1958.
• The home is currently vacant but has previously served as a residential rental property.
• The homeowner/applicant resides in the adjacent home.
• Records show that the roof was last replaced in 2008. Over time, it has deteriorated due to aging and sustained damage from weather events.
• The existing shingle roof is proposed to be replaced with a metal roof.
• Replacing the roof will help preserve the home's structural integrity.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on May 12, 2025, to review the proposed project.
• The West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on May 15, 2025, and recommended grant approval.
The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. Staff recommends approval of the grant in the amount not to exceed $10,781.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. There is a balance of $631,821 in the West Ocala CRA grants account (623-016-560-559-55-82010). The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny