Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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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 Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 2225 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $50,000
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BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant encourages exterior façade improvements as a strategy to counter neighborhood deterioration and increase property values throughout the CRA. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $50,000, covering up to 60 percent of the project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. Please refer to the attached documents for the complete application packet.
Grant ID: CRA25-0012
Applicant: NWS Retail, LLC
Address: 2219 E. Silver Springs Blvd. & 2225 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Parcel ID: 28333-002-06
Project Description: Building improvements, including interior renovations and façade improvements (stucco and paint, signage, awnings), and parking lot improvements.
Low Quote: $121,620.33
High Quote: $154,429.67
Recommended Grant: $50,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
• The property is located within the boundaries of the East Ocala Community Redevelopment subarea.
• The building, constructed in 1954, sits on 0.60 acres. NWS Retail, LLC, recently bought the property.
• The property has been vacant for several years and was partially demolished before purchase. The grant framework allows for the renovation of a vacant space for productive reuse.
• The applicant proposes interior and exterior improvements, including interior doors, flooring, stucco, and paint, and the addition of awnings to the front façade. These changes significantly improve the building’s street appeal and support the CRA’s revitalization goals.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) conducted a site visit on August 19, 2025, and determined that the property is a strong candidate for the program and the proposed improvements are appropriate.
• The intent of the CRA program is to address blighted conditions. As this property has been vacant for over five years and is located on Silver Springs Boulevard, a primary corridor in the East Ocala CRA, the improvements will enhance the corridor, encourage reinvestment, and return the property to productive use on the tax rolls.
• Verizon, the current tenant of 2219 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, is in discussions with the owner to relocate to the vacant space. Once that move occurs, the 2219 space will become available for lease to a new tenant, further supporting reinvestment and activation of the property.
• The current owner has already made significant financial investments. The prior owner resolved over $300,000 in code enforcement fees, positioning the property for redevelopment and long-term viability.
• Over $392,000 in total improvements are planned for the property, including both exterior and interior work, demonstrating the owner’s commitment to comprehensive reinvestment. The project expenses provided in the background cover the improvements that fall within the framework of the grant program.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee recommended approval of this grant on August 27, 2025.
Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available for the grants under consideration at this meeting. Payment will be made in the fiscal year in which the project is completed, using funds from the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny