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 Environmental Site Assessment for property located at 206 NE 9th Street
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BACKGROUND:
In 2022, the City of Ocala was awarded a brownfields assessment grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmental site assessments seek to direct revitalization to some of the most economically disadvantaged portions of Ocala and generate interest in ideally located properties overlooked due to socioeconomic and environmental stigmas.
Per the approved Brownfields Assessment Cooperative Agreement Work Plan, the City shall ensure that all Phase I site characterizations and assessments conducted with the grant funding be performed in accordance with EPA's standard for all appropriate inquiries. Please refer to the applicant information provided below and in the attached documents.
Applicant Name: SVINGA BROS CORP & ISICOFF IRVING EST.
Address: 206 NE 9th Street (26101-000-00 & 26104-000-00)
Project Description: This property was most recently used as a metal recycling plant. Previous uses included a gas manufacturing facility. The owner is currently in the process of selling the property and requires an environmental site assessment to gain greater clarity on the site's current environmental conditions.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The subject property is a vacant scrap metal recycling facility comprising approximately 25,867 square feet of net rentable area (NRA), along with associated site improvements and support facilities, situated on a 7.75-acre parcel.
• According to information provided by the Marion County Tax Collector's Office, real estate taxes have been paid for 2024 and there are no past due taxes from previous years.
• This site is considered important redevelopment opportunity due to its location within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) subarea and close proximity to Tuscawilla Park and the Ocala Skatepark. The proposed redevelopment aligns with the Economic Development goal outlined in the North Magnolia Redevelopment Plan, which aims to maintain an economically sound industrial and business district through incentive programs that promote property improvement and redevelopment.
• In the past, the CRA focused on enhancing NE 9th Street to make it more attractive and to improve pedestrian friendly connections to adjacent community and recreational facilities.
• Phase I ESAs have a limited shelf life (generally 180 days), the timing of Phase I completion or update may be sensitive and relate to property acquisition or redevelopment.
• There are adequate grant funds remaining to fund the proposed environmental site assessment. Staff recommend approval.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny