Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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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 the property located at 925 NE Fifth Street in an amount not to exceed $13,712
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is designed to incentivize reinvestment in aging structures, address blight conditions, and enhance livability and taxable value. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information: This property is a single-family residence built in 1938. It has a taxable value of $170,058, a structure size of 1,544 square feet, and sits on a 0.44-acre lot. The home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The owners acquired the home in January 2023 and have completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0036
Applicant: Shannon Lugo
Address: 925 NE Fifth Street, Ocala, FL 34470
Parcel ID: 2831-072-000
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves replacing 23 exterior windows at the primary residence.
High Quote: $32,835
Low Quote: $18,282
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $13,712
Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000 allowed by the grant program, covering up to 75 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 after approval. The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging housing stock and substandard structures, improving livability, visual quality, and economic development prosperity.
Scope of Work and Project Cost Review: Staff reviewed the two contractor estimates submitted with the application. The proposed project costs range from $18,282 to $32,835. Both estimates include the replacement and installation of 25 new windows. However, only 23 windows are eligible under the Grant Framework requirements because two are located on the interior of the home. Staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work. There is a $14,553 price difference between the two estimates.
• For the grant, the scope of work only includes the exterior windows around the single-family residence. It does not include the Miami-style glass windows located in the enclosed laundry room. The final quotes were adjusted to exclude the costs of the ineligible windows, as they do not contribute to the property's exterior façade.
• Photos included in the attached staff supporting documents illustrate the location of the windows on an interior-facing wall within the enclosed laundry room. A breakdown of the cost adjustment is also provided.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on July 28, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given that:
• The existing windows on the property were installed in 1938 and have significantly deteriorated over time. Many of the units no longer open properly or are completely inoperable, creating safety concerns, limiting ventilation, and restricting emergency egress. In addition, the frames and seals have decayed, allowing air and moisture intrusion that can contribute to further structural damage and reduce the overall habitability of the residence.
• To address stated issues, the proposed project includes the installation of 23 exterior windows of non-standard measurement, constructed of durable vinyl material.
• All frames are finished in white, providing a uniform and visually consistent appearance along the exterior facade.
• Replacing the windows is essential to restore proper function, improve safety, energy efficiency, and street-facing aesthetics, aligning with CRA residential improvement goals.
CRA Plan Compliance: East Ocala: 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.
o 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