Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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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 Commercial Building Improvement grant for property located at 1107 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $13,687.95 (Case: CRA24-45842)
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The intent of the East Ocala subarea Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Commercial Building Improvement Grant Program is to encourage business owners to make improvements to building exterior facades and sites. The installation of new landscaping is listed as a priority work eligible for reimbursement. In 2023, the maximum annual grant was increased to $20,000.00, and the city grant match was increased to 60 percent of the project cost. Below is a summary of the application.
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Grant Application ID#: |
CRA24-45842 |
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Applicant: |
Boulevard Office Center Condo Association |
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Address: |
1107 E. Silver Springs Boulevard |
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Project Description: |
Installation of new landscaping including adding a variety of new plants, edges for landscape beds and removal of exiting landscaping material. |
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Low Quote: |
$22,813.25 |
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Recommended Grant Amount: |
Not to exceed $13,687.95. |
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines. The key findings are presented below:
• The property is located along East Silver Springs Boulevard. The East Ocala Redevelopment Plan identifies the boulevard as a gateway corridor that should be enhanced in order to restore its value and prominence.
• The East Ocala Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the site and met with the applicant on October 15, 2024, and recommended approval of the request.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on October 21, 2024, and recommended approval with conditions.
o The Advisory Committee approved the grant on the condition that the applicant retain hedges that were in healthy condition; the applicant originally proposed to replace all existing hedges. The applicant agreed to the requested changes.
• At completion, the project will be inspected to ensure that the applicant complied with the revised scope before reimbursement. The project costs are expected to be less than estimated with the changes.
• The grant will only cover up to 60 percent of actual project costs.
Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $13,687.95.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. The East Ocala CRA Grant Account - 620-016-559-559-55-82010, has a balance of $549,631.50. The CRA is expected to make payments totaling $102,838.31 for approved projects scheduled to be completed in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW: N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with changes
• Deny
• Table