Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Improvement Grant (CRA24-45750) for property located at 714 NW First Street in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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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 intent of the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is to encourage homeowners to make exterior facade improvements, addressing deterioration trends in some neighborhoods while adding value to the CRA. Eligible work elements include:
1. Exterior painting.
2. Repair and replacement of windows, and doors.
3. Demolition of irreparable damaged houses or structures.
4. New landscaping area visible from the street/sidewalk.
5. Fencing.
6. Reroofing.
7. Weatherization.
8. New construction.
Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum grant that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application (CRA24-45750) was reviewed and processed in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The project details are included in the table below.
The West Ocala Grant Review Committee visited the site on July 9, 2024, and recommended approval of the request. The West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) recommended grant approval on July 18, 2024. Advisory Committee member, Dwan Thomas abstained from voting given his interest in D & S Development. This project is for the construction of a new single-family home with a total area of 1,491 square feet. The unit will be sold to a low-income household and remain affordable for 10 years. The applicant, D & S Development, has an agreement with the City of Ocala through the Affordable Housing Surplus Lot initiative. An application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions are included in the attached packet. Staff recommends approval.
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Grant Project # |
CRA24-45750 |
|
Address |
714 NW 1st St. |
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Owner/Applicant |
D&S Development LLC/Dwan Thomas |
|
Project Description |
Construction of a single-family home |
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Grant Request |
$20,000 |
|
Applicant Match |
$94,820 |
|
Total - Eligible Costs |
$114,820 |
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. The West Ocala CRA grants account (623-016-560-559-55-82010) has a balance of $320,783. Funds not utilized in Fiscal Year 2023-24 will be carried forward to the next fiscal year. This project is scheduled to be completed in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny