Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management

STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready): title
Approve the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Improvement Grant for property located at 932 NE Seventh Street in the amount of $17,673 (CRA24-45726)
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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 East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Improvement Grant program is to encourage homeowners to make interior and exterior improvements to buildings, while adding value within the CRA and reversing deteriorating trends in the area. In March 2024, the program was revised to include several categories for home improvement. Per the grant guidelines, exterior repainting and replacement of windows are listed as eligible improvements that can be reimbursed through the program. The maximum grant that can be awarded annually is $20,000 and the required applicant match is 25 percent of the project costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application underwent review in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. On June 20, 2024, the East Ocala Grant Review Committee visited the site and recommended approval of the request. Subsequently, on June 26, 2024, the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee also recommended approval.
All the windows in the home will be replaced. Several of the existing windows are old and inoperable, resulting in poor insulation. Additionally, the knee wall will be repainted to complement the building’s color scheme. The windows will account for approximately 90 percent of the project costs. For additional details, including photos of the existing condition, quotes, proposed colors, and the completed application, please refer to the attached application packet. Staff recommends approval of the grant.
Table 1 - Grant request summary
Grant Project # |
CRA24-45726 |
Address |
932 NE Seventh St |
Owner/Applicant |
Kaycie Hartley |
Low Quote |
$23,564 |
Grant Amount |
$17,673 (Maximum) |
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grant request being considered. Currently, there is a balance of $365,642 in the East Ocala CRA grant account (620-016-559-559-55-82010).
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny