Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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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 Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 428 NE Seventh Terrace, in an amount not to exceed $18,372
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is designed to incentivize reinvestment in aging structures, address blight conditions, and enhance livability and taxable value. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0012
Applicant: JFG Properties, LLC
Applicant Representative: Joyce Gamache
Address: 428 NE Seventh Terrace
Parcel ID: 2826-017-002
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves replacing the windows and perimeter fence.
Quote(s): Low Quote(s): $24,495 High Quote(s): $30,016.44
Recommended Grant Amount: $18,372
Property Information: This 1,496 square-foot, single-family residence was built in 1918 and sits on a 0.18-acre lot. It is a two-bedroom, two-bath house with a taxable value of $47,423. The owner acquired the home in 2014 and has completed some improvements. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs and 50 percent of roofing improvements. 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.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on April 14, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given:
• The applicant owns three contiguous properties associated with Case CRA26-0011 (414 NE), Case CRA26-0012 (428 NE), and Case CRA26-0013 (420 NE). Although these parcels share common fence lines, each application includes only the fence sections that belong to that specific property. Each application, therefore, reflects the separate, distinct, and necessary fence replacements for each property, consistent with the safety and visual enhancement goals of the East Ocala CRA.
• In addition to the fencing needs, the existing windows on the subject property are in poor condition. Many windows do not open properly or are completely inoperable, creating safety concerns, reducing ventilation, and limiting emergency egress.
• The deteriorated frames and seals allow air and moisture intrusion, which may result in additional structural damage. Replacing the windows is essential to restore function, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the building meets basic safety and habitability standards. Window replacement also improves safety, energy performance, and street-facing aesthetics, consistent with CRA residential improvement goals.
• The property was previously awarded a CRA Residential Improvement Grant on July 15, 2025, under CRA25-0009. That award covered roof replacement, exterior painting, and the removal of trees and debris. The project’s total cost was $26,850, and the CRA reimbursed $20,000 of that amount.
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: The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached Case Map and Aerial Map, staff supporting documents, the grant framework, and the application packet.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. The CRA Board approved the appropriation of additional grant funds on May 19, 2026. 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