Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 2351 SW Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $3,285
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BACKGROUND:
One of the statutory functions of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to undertake activities that facilitate the redevelopment and improvement of properties. Incentive programs encouraging private investment in properties have proven successful in carrying out this redevelopment function.
The CRA residential grant programs encourage homeowners to make improvements that enhance the CRA, increase safety, and reverse deteriorating trends in specific neighborhoods. Preserving and expanding the supply of appropriately maintained housing is crucial in improving affordability while reducing conditions of blight.
Each property owner can submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum grant that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs. Refer to the grant framework attached for a list of eligible improvements.
Grant ID: CRA25-0034
Address: 2351 SW Second Street
Owner/Applicant: Linda Wilkerson
Project Description: Replacement of wooden fence with a six-foot tan vinyl fence.
Low Quote: $4,380
High Quote: $6,161
Recommended Grant: $3,285
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The property is located within the West Ocala CRA boundary, and the home was constructed in 2020.
• Per the applicant, in June 2025, a rain event caused a large oak tree to fall, damaging a section of the existing fence along SW 24th Avenue. Please refer to the photographs attached.
• The existing wooden fence, which is discolored, weather-worn, and rotting in sections, will be replaced with a six-foot tan vinyl fence.
• Replacing the fence will enhance curb appeal and contribute positively to the character of the neighborhood.
• During the site visit on September 4, 2025, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) discussed the grant application and reviewed the proposed project with the property owner. The property is considering applying for landscaping improvements in the future.
• The application meets the requirements of the grant program and is eligible for consideration. In alignment with Goal 3, Objective 6 of the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Plan, the CRA is encouraged to pursue additional funding opportunities and establish partnerships with community-based affordable housing providers to upgrade blighted properties and eliminate unsafe or unsanitary conditions affecting individuals and families.
West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation
On September 24, 2025, the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed the application and recommended approval of the grant. The Advisory Committee agreed that this was an appropriate use of CRA funds.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommend approval of the grant based on a review of the information presented and the project’s alignment with the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the West Ocala CRA grants account (623-016-560-559-55-82010) for the grants under consideration at this meeting. Payment will be issued in the fiscal year in which the project is completed.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny