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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North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 903 NE Osceola Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $19,125
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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 and adds value to the CRA. Priority 2 of the North Magnolia CRA Plan focuses on identifying potential areas for commercial and residential development and on providing funding for façade enhancements to improve their aesthetic appeal.
The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work. The program framework was revised by City staff and 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 award is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0025
Applicant: EBL Osceola Ave, LLC / Eddie Lewis
Address: 903 NE Osceola Avenue
Parcel ID: 26100-001-01
Project Description: Exterior repainting of the 21,000-square-foot building.
High Quote: $27,900
Low Quote: $25,500
Recommended Grant Amount: $19,125
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The key findings are outlined below.
• The property is currently occupied by two businesses: N & N Office Furniture and the offices of American Fire & Safety Supply Contractors.
• In 2019, the applicant was awarded a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grant to support painting and landscaping improvements at the subject property. The project was completed at a total cost of $12,370, of which $8,868 was reimbursed by the CRA. •
• According to program guidelines, applicants must agree to maintain improvements funded through the CRA for a minimum of five years. As the previous repainting project was completed more than five years ago, the property is now eligible for additional CRA assistance.
• Enhancing the physical appearance and functionality of buildings contributes to the attraction and retention of business operations, thereby supporting economic growth. This initiative aligns with the North Magnolia Redevelopment Plan (2019), specifically the Economic Development Goal, which seeks to maintain a strong industrial and business environment by developing incentive programs that encourage property improvement and redevelopment.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) conducted a site visit on July 7, 2025, to observe and discuss the existing conditions.
• This primary building faces Bonnie Heath Boulevard, one of the primary corridors in the North Magnolia CRA subarea. The application meets the requirements of the grant program and is eligible for grant consideration.
North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation
On September 25, 2025, the North Manolia 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 North Magnolia Redevelopment Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is sufficient funding in the North Magnolia Ocala CRA grants account (622-016-553-559-55-82010), which currently has a balance of $117,876.11. Payment will be made 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