Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1735 NE Jacksonville Road, in an amount not to exceed $2,400
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports façade modernization, signage, awnings, ADA compliance, and other interior and exterior improvements to enhance corridor vitality and attract business investment. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information: This property is a commercial building constructed in 1984. It has a taxable value of $368,213. The building, situated on a 0.59-acre lot, is 6,007 square feet and has a 6,014-square-foot parking lot. The building layout includes office spaces, restrooms, and an open‑area workspace suitable for business operations. Mr. Hershberger acquired the property in June 1999 and subsequently transferred ownership to Hershberger Holdings, LLC in September 2006. The business has operated in Ocala since B-J Trophies was established in 1977 and is owned by the Hershberger family. All property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0029
Applicant: Hershberger Holdings, LLC
Applicant Representative: Floyd Hershberger (BJ Trophies)
Address: 1735 NE Jacksonville Road
Parcel ID: 26143-000-00
Scope of Work: The proposed project comprises comprehensive parking lot renovations to enhance safety, functionality, and the overall site appearance.
High Quote: $3,650
Low Quote: $3,200
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $2,400
Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified the property's location within the CRA, compliance with the program guide, and confirmed that work will begin upon approval.
Bid Review: Staff reviewed the two contractor estimates submitted with the application. The proposed project costs range from $3,200 to $3,650. Both estimates include parking lot improvements. While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff find the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
Site Visit Review: Staff conducted a site visit on June 12, 2026, and confirmed that the scope of work and contractor estimates accurately reflect the improvements required for the parking lot renovation.
• The parking lot shows substantial surface wear, including cracks, uneven areas, and aged asphalt. Striping is faded or no longer clearly visible, creating potential issues for customer access, parking organization, drainage, and overall safety.
• The proposed project consists of comprehensive parking lot renovations aimed at improving safety, appearance, and overall site functionality. The scope of work includes cleaning the existing asphalt surface, applying a seal-coat mixture for enhanced durability, and restriping all existing pavement markings and wheel stops. The improvements cover approximately 6,014 square feet of paved area. They will restore the parking lot’s structural integrity, extend the asphalt's lifespan, and ensure clearly defined traffic flow and parking areas.
• These enhancements are essential for maintaining a safe, accessible, and visually improved environment for customers and employees. Repairs and restriping will improve site functionality, enhance safety, and ensure the property meets CRA expectations for commercial corridor usability.
The property owner is not a first-time applicant; he previously received a CRA grant in 2018 (CRA18-0017) for parking lot improvements and another in 2025 (CRA25-0022) for exterior lighting and additional enhancements.
CRA Plan Compliance: North Magnolia: The proposed project is consistent with the North Magnolia CRA Redevelopment Plan, advancing goals to stabilize commercial corridors, encouraging redevelopment, and improving neighborhood aesthetics.
• Goal 4 - Economic Development: Maintain an economically sound industrial/business area. Objective 4.1 - Enhance the commercial tax base and promote business development. Funding is provided through the CRA Trust Fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including case maps - CRA26-0029, application packet - CRA26-0029, staff supporting documents- CRA26-0029, and grant framework.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the North Magnolia CRA Grants account 622-016-553-559-55-82010. The reimbursement will be paid after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny