Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
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 Application for property located at 1279 East Silver Springs Boulevard, in an amount not to exceed $8,740
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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 Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) East Ocala Commercial Building Improvement Grant encourages business owners to make exterior facade improvements. This initiative addresses deterioration trends, 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 60 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
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Grant Application ID#: |
CRA24-0011 |
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Applicant: |
Atlas Title Agency/Ken MacKay |
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Address: |
1279 E. Silver Springs Blvd. |
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Parcel ID: |
2833-012-122 |
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Project Description: |
The applicant is requesting a grant to pressure wash and repaint the building’s exterior, apply sealant and restripe the parking area, remove a portion of the fencing, and improve the parking lot. |
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Low Quote Total: |
$14,566 |
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Recommended Grant Amount: |
Not to exceed $8,740 |
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 property is located on E. Silver Springs Blvd., one of the main corridors in the CRA.
• The applicant, Atlas Title Agency, has operated its business there for approximately 3.5 years.
• The improvements will add to the parking capacity for the business, improve vehicle circulation through the parking area, and increase the visual appeal of the building.
• The applicant will be required to obtain site plan approval and site/building permits for the parking improvements.
• Based on the project scope, the applicant will work with the Planning, Building, and City Engineering Departments to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, drainage, and parking requirements.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on December 10, 2024. The GRC inspected the property for the proposed improvements and discussed the applicant’s plans for further improvements, including a possible future grant application for new signage.
• Greg Blair, an East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee member, had a potential conflict of interest and did not vote on this grant application.
• The application packet and conflict of interest form are attached for review.
• Staff recommends approving the grant in an amount not to exceed $8,740.
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