Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 948 NE Fourth Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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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 East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make exterior facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA.
The maximum amount that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. The entire application packet is attached.
Grant ID #: CRA25-0023
Applicant: JFG Properties, LLC. / Joyce Gamache
Address: 948 NE Fourth St.
Parcel ID: Confidential
Project
Description: This project includes removing and replacing the furnace, HVAC, and windows.
Low Quote: $27,374
Recommended
Grant Amount: $20,000
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 home was built in 1938 and contributes to the historical character of the neighborhood.
• The windows that will be replaced are original to the home.
• According to the applicant, the proposed improvements would be financially unfeasible without assistance from the grant program.
• The upgrades are expected to significantly improve the home’s energy efficiency, contributing to reduced utility costs and long-term environmental benefits.
• The application meets all eligibility requirements for grant consideration.
• The property is owned by JFG Properties, which is affiliated with the family of Mr. John Gamache, a member of the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee. Mr. Gamache appropriately recused himself from any discussion or vote related to this matter and submitted Form 8B in accordance with the procedures for addressing voting conflicts.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on June 12, 2025. The home was found to be well-maintained and a good candidate for the grant program.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended approval on July 25, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting, with a balance of $227,975.45 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 with Changes
• Table
• Deny