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 the award of development opportunity to, and an Affordable Housing Agreement with, the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County Inc. to construct and sell an affordable housing unit on surplus property in West Ocala
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
In April 2023, at its annual strategic planning session, Ocala’s City Council established addressing the affordable housing shortage as one of its strategic initiatives. In response to this initiative, City staff formed an Affordable Housing Initiative Team to develop ideas and implement strategies to engage for-profit and not-for-profit developers in developing single-family and multi-family affordable housing projects. The initial “surplus lots” list was established, and an infill strategy was initiated to build single-family structures on scattered sites.
By and through Resolution 2023-40, adopted by City Council on September 19, 2023, the City currently holds an inventory of vacant lots located throughout the city that it intends to offer for sale to qualified for-profit and non-profit developers, builders, partnerships, and/or agencies to develop and construct new affordable housing units.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County Inc. (Habitat) is a not-for-profit provider of housing services in Marion County. They are a locally run Habitat for Humanity International affiliate. Habitat works with families, volunteers, and donors to construct affordable homes, providing stability, self-reliance, and a brighter future for low-income families.
The property (Parcel ID: 28491-000-00) Habitat intends to develop is more formally described as: SEC 18 TWP 15 RGE 22 COM 514 FT W OF THE NE COR OF SW 1/4 OF SEC 18 TH S 116.33 FT TO THE POB TH S 116.33 FT TH W 52.5 FT TH N 116.33 FT TH E 52.5 FT TO THE POB EXC ANY PT CONTAINED WITHIN THE FOLLOWING DESC:
COM 566.10 FT W OF THE NE COR OF SW 1/4 OF SEC 18 TH S 116.42
FT TO THE POB TH CONT S 116.42 FT TH W 52.5 FT TH N 116.5 FT TH
E 52.5 FT TO THE POB & EXC ANY PT CONTAINED WITHIN THE FOLLOWING DESC:
COM 514 FT W OF THE NE COR OF SW 1/4 OF SEC 18 TH W 105 FT TH
S 127.5 FT TH E 105 FT TH N 127.5 FT TO THE POB
The proposed purchase price is one dollar, along with Habitat’s performance of the Requirements under the agreement. The City will provide an incentive of $8,629 through a property donation. This amount represents the assessed value ($8,630) of the property as determined by the Marion County Property Appraiser (MCPA), less the purchase price of one dollar.
Habitat will be required to construct a single-family home with a minimum of 900 gross square feet of livable area per unit and include at least two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a one-car garage. The attached agreement sets forth the responsibilities of Habitat and the City to complete the project. The single-family home in the attached aerial map has previously been demolished by the City’s Community Development Services Department. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the property will be connected to City electric, water, and sewer services.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
The Procurement and Contracting Officer has reviewed the Affordable Housing Agreement in accordance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny