Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a Commercial Building Improvement Grant for property located at 903 NE Osceola Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $19,125
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
NA
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BACKGROUND: The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) North Magnolia Ocala subarea Commercial Building Improvement Grant encourages business owners to make exterior facade improvements. This initiative addresses deterioration trends, adding value to the CRA. Priority 2 of the North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Plan (CRA Plan) encourages the identification of potential areas of commercial and residential development and provides funds for façade enhancements to make them aesthetically pleasing.
The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work. The program framework was revised by City staff and was approved by the CRA Board on April 15, 2025, to increase the maximum grant from $10,000 to $20,000. Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount that can be awarded is now $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0025
Applicant: Eddie Lewis/ EBL Osceola Ave, LLC
Address: 903 NE Osceola Avenue
Parcel ID: 26100-001-01
Project Description: Exterior repainting of the 21,000-square-foot building.
High Quote: $27,900
Low Quote: $25,500
Recommended Grant Amount: $19,125
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The key findings are outlined below.
• The property is currently occupied by two businesses: N & N Office Furniture and the offices of American Fire & Safety Supply Contractors.
• In 2019, the applicant was awarded a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grant to support painting and landscaping improvements at the subject property. The project was completed at a total cost of $12,370, of which $8,868 was reimbursed by the CRA.
• According to program guidelines, applicants must agree to maintain improvements funded through the CRA for a minimum of five years. As the previous repainting project was completed more than five years ago, the property is now eligible for additional CRA assistance.
• Enhancing the physical appearance and functionality of buildings contributes to the attraction and retention of business operations, thereby supporting economic growth. This initiative aligns with the North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2019), specifically the Economic Development Goal, which seeks to maintain a strong industrial and business environment by developing incentive programs that encourage property improvement and redevelopment.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) conducted a site visit on July 7, 2025 to observe and discuss the existing conditions. The application is presented to the North Magnolia Advisory Committee for a recommendation.
• This primary building faces Bonnie Heath Boulevard, one of the primary corridors in the North Magnolia CRA subarea.
• The application meets the requirements of the grant program and is eligible for grant consideration.
The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $19,125.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes.
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• Deny