Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
presenter
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 1255 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $49,378
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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 East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports façade modernization, signage, awnings, ADA compliance, and other 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: The property is a vacant commercial site that was previously operated as a gas station and was originally constructed in 1985. It contains a 3,817‑square‑foot building situated on a 0.46‑acre lot. The site has a current taxable value of $200,124. The building and property have remained vacant, offering potential for redevelopment or adaptive reuse. The owners acquired the property on June 9, 2026. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0028
Applicant: ESSB Holdings, LLC
Applicant Representative: Todd Rudnianyn
Address: 1255 E Silver Springs Boulevard
Parcel ID: 2833-012-117
Scope of Work: Vacant building being converted to active use. The proposed project includes substantial improvements to the vacant commercial building to prepare it for safety, compliance, and functional commercial use. The scope of work includes signage, parking lot improvements, pressure washing, surface preparation, and exterior painting.
Low Quote: $82,296
High Quote: $140,794
Grant Amount: Not to exceed $49,378
Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $50,000, covering up to 60 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. The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging stock and substandard structures, improving visual quality and economic development prosperity.
Bid Review: Staff reviewed the contractor estimates submitted for the scope of work included in the application: signage, parking lot improvements, and exterior painting. Two estimates were provided for each service. Because the contractors describe their work using different methodologies and varying levels of detail, the applicant also submitted a Standardized Scope of Work form. This form uses consistent language for all service categories and was signed by each contractor, allowing staff to evaluate all proposals against identical specifications.
Across all work, the proposed project costs range from $82,296 to $140,794.
• Signage: estimates range from $20,137 to $27,294.
• Parking Lot Improvements: estimates range from $42,184 to $56,000.
• Exterior Painting: estimates range from $19,975 to $57,500.
Despite differences in how each contractor describes the work, staff finds the proposals consistent with the standardized scope and the intended work for each service area. The provided estimates appear reasonable for the project type and provide a sufficient basis for evaluating total project cost.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on June 3, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes.
• The proposed project consists of a comprehensive exterior enhancement plan for the new Fort McCoy Ranch - Fort McCoy Farm Hub. Fort McCoy Farm is a locally owned operation dedicated to providing fresh agricultural products, farm goods, and locally sourced items to the Ocala community.
• The business serves as a direct link between local producers and consumers, offering high-quality farm-based products while supporting regional agriculture. The business also plans to offer specialty beef cuts and a variety of meats sourced from cattle raised directly on the farm, providing customers with fresh, locally sourced options that strengthen the local food supply chain and enhance neighborhood access to fresh goods.
Based on on-site observations, staff confirms that the improvements are warranted, as they are essential to support continued redevelopment and economic expansion along the East Silver Springs Boulevard corridor.
• Pressure Washing, Surface Prep and Exterior Painting
The commercial building and surrounding site are visibly worn and deteriorated. Staff observed faded and weathered paint, discoloration, and surfaces in need of restoration. Modernizing the building’s appearance will improve curb appeal and strengthen the property’s ability to attract and retain tenants and customers.
• Parking Lot Improvements (Repair, Reseal and Striping)
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. Repairs and restriping will improve site functionality, enhance safety, and ensure the property meets CRA expectations for commercial corridor usability.
• Signage
The property currently lacks any visible exterior signage identifying the business. This absence makes the property appear uninviting and disconnected from the commercial character of East Silver Springs Boulevard. Installing new signage will improve visibility, increase customer recognition, and enhance the professional appearance of the storefront.
Collectively, the proposed improvements directly enhance the physical condition, safety, and economic visibility of a commercial property within the East Ocala CRA. Properties along the East Silver Springs Boulevard corridor significantly influence the district’s appearance and economic trajectory. When a business invests in improvements to its façade, parking areas, and signage, it strengthens the commercial environment and advances the CRA’s broader redevelopment and beautification goals.
CRA Plan Compliance: The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character.
• In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment, and Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse, this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization. Funding will be provided through the CRA Trust Fund, consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and the requirements of Florida Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including Case Maps, Application Packet, Staff Supporting Documents, and Grant Framework.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. 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