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 an East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 214 NE 11th Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $6,672
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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 attached grant framework outlines elements of eligible work. Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA24-0012
Applicant: Peter Coles and Linda Letcher
Address: 214 NE 11th Avenue.
Parcel ID: 2834-003-009
Project Description: Repair the shingle section of the roof and replace the metal section covering the back porch.
Low Quote: $8,895
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $6,672
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff reviewed and processed the application following the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
• The home was built in 1931 and is the applicants’ primary residence. They acquired the home approximately two years ago and have made improvements themselves. They were not aware of the CRA grant program until recently.
• The home was featured on the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) tour in June 2023.
• The roof was replaced in 2019; however, some issues need to be repaired due to the quality of the previous work. The property owner fully funded this replacement.
• A metal section of the roof covering the back porch will be replaced; this section was not included in the scope of work for the 2019 project.
• The improvement will increase the energy efficiency of the home and will enhance its physical appearance.
• This improvement aligns with the purpose of the grant program and the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). According to the Findings of Necessity, there are a high number of structures with subpar quality in the East Ocala CRA
• On December 10, 2024, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the home to inspect and review the project.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on January 15, 2025, and recommended grant approval.
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 $6,672.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. The East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010) has a balance of $405,880.67. 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