Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for property located at 703 East Fort King Street, in an amount not to exceed $6,874
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective:
The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports façade modernization, signage, awnings, ADA compliance, and other exterior improvements to enhance corridor vitality and attract business investment. Funding is provided through the CRA Trust Fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information:
This property is a commercial building constructed in 1946. It has a taxable value of $103,802 and is situated on a 0.18-acre lot. Evolutions Salon, a commercial business, occupies this property. The property is located within the East Ocala CRA and the Ocala Historic District.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0015
Applicant: Brian Kuhn
Address: 703 East Fort King Street
Parcel ID: 2820-000-009
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves resurfacing and repairing the existing parking lot, including asphalt overlay and restriping, and repainting the exterior of the commercial building.
High Quotes: $22,500
Low Quotes: $11,455.95
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $6,874
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000, covering up to 60 percent of project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review:
Staff verified the property’s location within the CRA, compliance with the program guide, and confirmed that work will begin after approval. The scope addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with a high share of aging housing stock and substandard structures, improving livability, visual quality, and economic development prosperity.
The property is also located within the Ocala Historic District and is eligible for the Historic Building Improvement Grant. The applicant elected to apply to the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program, which covers parking lot improvements. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA26-0038) was approved for the resurfacing and repair of the driveway associated with this project.
Bid Review:
Staff reviewed the submitted contractor estimates for the proposed parking lot and exterior painting improvements. For the parking lot improvements, the submitted estimates ranged from $6,700 to $15,000. Both contractors proposed repair of deteriorated pavement areas, installation of a new asphalt overlay across the parking area, and restriping of pavement markings upon completion. While the estimates vary in cost and the level of detail provided regarding repair methods and pavement specifications, each addresses the same overall project objective of rehabilitating the existing parking lot. Staff finds the submitted estimates sufficiently comparable and confirms that the proposed work is consistent with the scope described in the application.
The exterior painting estimates ranged from $4,755.95 to $7,500. While the estimates vary in cost and level of detail, both contractors proposed preparation and repainting of the building exterior. Staff finds the submitted estimates sufficiently comparable and confirms that the proposed work is consistent with the scope described in the application.
Site Visit Review:
Staff completed a site visit on June 3, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed deteriorated pavement conditions within the parking area, including surface wear and areas requiring repair. Staff also observed deterioration of the exterior paint finish, including fading and weathering. The proposed asphalt overlay, restriping, and exterior repainting will improve the property's appearance, functionality, and long-term maintenance while enhancing the visual quality of the Fort King Street corridor within the East Ocala CRA. The property is a contributing historic structure within the Ocala Historic District. The proposed improvements represent reinvestment in an aging commercial property and support continued occupancy and preservation of the structure.
CRA Plan Compliance:
The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character.
• In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment, and Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse, this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization. Funding will be provided through the CRA Trust Fund, consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and the requirements of Florida Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation:
CRA26-0015 was presented to the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee on June 24, 2026. The Committee recommended approval of the application.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached maps - CRA26-0015, staff supporting documents - CRA26-0015, the grant framework, and application packet - CRA26-0015.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. Disbursement occurs as reimbursement after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny