Submitted By: Marie Mesadieu
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve a West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1117 NW 11th Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $5,821
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
NA
body
BACKGROUND: The West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make exterior facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the CRA. Goal 3, Objective 6 of the West Ocala CRA Plan encourages directing CRA funds toward upgrading blighted housing and removing unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
In March 2024, the program framework was approved by the CRA Board and includes several categories for home improvements. The framework was further revised in April 2025, adding termite tenting to the list of eligible work. Please refer to the attached grant framework for a complete list of eligible work. Each property owner may submit one application per fiscal year. The maximum amount to be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0019
Applicant: Reginald Ponder
Address: 1117 NW 11th Avenue
Parcel ID: 25717-000-00
Project Description: Replacing the existing windows with non-impact single-hung bronze interior and exterior finish.
Low Quote: $7,521
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $5,821
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: City staff processed the application following the established grant program guidelines. The key findings are outlined below:
• The home was built in 1990 and is the applicant’s primary residence.
• The existing windows are original to the home (35 years), have fallen into disrepair, and need to be replaced.
• Replacing the windows will make the home more energy efficient and provide added weather protection.
• Replacing all the windows without the assistance of this grant would be a strain on the applicant’s fixed income.
• On May 12, 2025, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the home to review the proposed project.
• The West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on May 15, 2025, and recommended grant approval.
The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. Staff recommends approval of the grant in the amount not to exceed $5,821.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting. There is a balance of $631,821 in the West Ocala CRA grants account (623-016-560-559-55-82010). 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