Submitted By: Marie Mesadieu
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Agency Commercial Building Improvement Grant for property located at 1735 NE Jacksonville Road, in an amount not to exceed $5,787
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
NA
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BACKGROUND: The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) North Magnolia Ocala subarea Commercial Building Improvement Grant encourages business owners to make exterior facade improvements. This initiative addresses deterioration trends, adding value to the CRA. Priority 2 of the North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Plan (CRA Plan) encourages the identification of potential areas of commercial and residential development and provides funds for façade enhancements to make them aesthetically pleasing.
The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work. The program framework was revised by City staff and was approved by the CRA Board on April 15, 2025, to increase the maximum grant from $10,000 to $20,000. Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount that can be awarded is now $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0022
Applicant: Hershberger Holdings, LLC/BJ Trophies
Address: 1735 NE Jacksonville Road
Parcel ID: 2614-000-00
Project Description: Replacing the existing lighting on the front porch with LED lights and changing the sheet rock on the ceiling to vinyl.
Low Quote: $7,716
Recommended Grant Amount: $5,787
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The key findings are outlined below.
• BJ Trophies is a retail store located in the North Magnolia CRA, specializing in custom trophies, awards, and gifts.
• The business has been at that location for 25 years; the building was constructed in 1984.
• In 2016, the applicant was awarded a facade improvement grant of $1,175 for the repair and repainting of the building.
• The scope of the proposed project is to replace the existing lighting with LED tubes and to replace the sheet rock on the ceiling with vinyl. These improvements are necessary as the soffit material on the porch exhibits signs of deterioration, and the light fixtures are rusty and outdated.
• This improvement will significantly elevate the façade of the building and increase energy efficiency.
• This establishment is located in one of the North Magnolia corridors, and the proposed project is in line with the priority areas stated in the CRA Plan.
• Mr. Hershberger is a member of the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee, presenting a conflict of interest. He completed the required documentation and recused himself from voting on the committee’s decision.
• The application meets the requirements of the grant program and is eligible for grant consideration.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the site on May 20, 2025, to review the proposed project.
• The North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee met on May 29, 2025, and recommended approval of the grant.
The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $5,787.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. The North Magnolia Ocala CRA grants account (622-016-553-559-55-82010) has a balance of $123,654. 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