Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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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 Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 903 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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BACKGROUND:
The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property
Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA.
The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. Refer to the attached documents for the completed application, maps, quotes and other applicant documents.
Grant ID: CRA25-0029
Applicants: Jody Talmadge
Address: 903 NE Second Street
Parcel ID: 2820-044-002
Project Description: Repairing and repainting exterior walls, installing a new fence and making landscaping improvements.
High Quote: $42,663
Low Quote: $37,361
Recommended Grant Amount: $20,000
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The application meets all eligibility requirements and qualifies for grant consideration. Each property owner may submit one application per fiscal year.
• The applicant recently acquired this property and is making improvements before putting the property back into use. The owner is considering renting the property.
• This home was built in 1948 and is currently vacant. The last improvement on record was made in 2022, when the roof was replaced. Since the applicant acquired the property, she has cleaned up much of the on-site debris and is currently maintaining the building to bring it back to full use.
• The property has had issues with a homeless encampment and replacing the fence will adequately enclose the back section of the property and improve security. The lot spans approximately 0.29 acres.
• The proposed improvement aligns with the objectives of the grant program and supports the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). As noted in the Findings of Necessity, the East Ocala CRA contains numerous substandard structures, and this project contributes to the area's revitalization.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visit took place on August 18, 2025. The GRC agrees that the proposed improvements will greatly enhance curb appeal and add to the neighborhood's character. The GRC discussed the planned improvements and potential uses that fit within the zoning classification.
• The East Ocala Advisory Committee meeting recommended approval of the grant at the meeting held on August 27, 2025.
• Per the program guidelines, the proposed work items are eligible to be funded at a seventy-five percent match.
• The proposed scope represents a comprehensive project to restore the home to good condition.
Staff recommends approval in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants under consideration at this meeting in the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010). The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny