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 722 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $9,383
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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).
Property Information: This property is a single-family residence built in 1940. It has a taxable value of $143,191, a structure size of 1,822 square feet, and sits on a 0.14-acre lot. The home includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The owners acquired the home in October 2022 and have completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0020
Applicant: Andrew Harrison & Samantha Harrison
Address: 722 NE Second Street
Parcel ID: 2820-046-003
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves roof and HVAC replacements.
High Quotes: $20,455.09
Low Quotes: $16,110
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $9,383
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 upon 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.
Bid Review: Staff reviewed the contractor estimates submitted for the weatherization/HVAC and roof replacement services included in the application. Two estimates were provided for each service. The contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail; each estimate includes the core tasks necessary to complete the respective scopes of work. Across both service areas, overall project costs range from $16,110 to $20,455.
• Weatherization/HVAC: estimates range from $5,310 to $5,750.
• Roof Replacement: estimates range from $10,800 to $14,705.
While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff find the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on May 21, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the scope of work is warranted given:
• The current scope of work includes the replacement of the roof and the installation of a new HVAC unit. Replacing the HVAC system enhances energy efficiency and livability, consistent with CRA residential program goals.
• The current roof is more than 15 years old, is significantly worn, and no longer provides adequate protection from the elements. There are visible signs of aging, including material deterioration, potential leaks, and compromised areas of the roofing structure. Without replacement, these issues can lead to water intrusion, mold, and long-term structural damage. Roof repairs or full reroofing address water intrusion and structural integrity. A new roof is necessary to prevent further deterioration and restore the property to a safe and secure condition.
• The applicants originally submitted two HVAC/AC quotes with their application; however, the quotes were not comparable in terms of system characteristics, BTUs, or tonnage. After careful review, the applicants determined that AC Quote #2 included equipment that was significantly oversized for their home’s needs, which explained the discrepancy in both cost and system specifications. Because AC Quote #1 and AC Quote #2 were not aligned, staff requested a revised quote to ensure the submissions were comparable. The applicants have since provided a new revised AC quote that matches the specifications of AC Quote #1.
CRA Plan Compliance: East Ocala: 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.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached documents, including Case Maps, Application Packet, Staff Supporting Documents, and Grant Framework.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The project was presented on June 24, 2026. The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. The reimbursement will be paid 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