Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1224 NE 12th Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $8,781
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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 East 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. This improvement aligns with the grant program's purpose and the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). According to the Findings of Necessity, there are a high number of structures of subpar quality in the East Ocala CRA.
The attached grant framework outlines elements of eligible work. Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum award is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs. Roofing improvements are funded at a 50 percent match.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0048
Applicant: JFG Properties, LLC/Joyce Gamache
Address: 1224 NE 12th Avenue
Project Description: Replacement of windows and installation of a new HVAC system.
High Quote: $18,010
Low Quote: $11,708
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $8,781
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff reviewed and processed the application following the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
• The scope includes removing the windows in the sunroom and replacing them with energy-efficient ones. The HVAC system will also be replaced, as it was installed several years ago.
• These improvements, which will increase the energy efficiency of the home, reduce power consumption costs. The applicant indicated that it would be cost-prohibitive to complete the proposed improvements without the grant's support.
• On December 4, 2025, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the home to review the site conditions and discuss the proposed project with the applicant representative and the CRA Advisory Committee representative.
• These improvements are included in the priority work elements listed in the East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement grant framework. The applicant meets the grant program requirements and is eligible for consideration.
• The application is bypassing the East Ocala CRA Advisory committee and proceeding directly to the CRA Board due to a conflict of interest. Advisory Committee member John Gamache is a relative of the applicant.
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 $8,781.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants under consideration at this meeting. Payment will be made from the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010) in the fiscal year when the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with changes.
• Table
• Deny