Submitted By: Marie Mesadieu
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 224 NE 10th Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $15,083
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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 East 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. This improvement aligns with the purpose of the grant program and the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Plan (2016). According to the Findings of Necessity, there are a high number of structures with subpar quality in the East Ocala 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 75 percent of the project costs.
Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID #: CRA25-0014
Applicant: TC Opportunity II, LLC
Address: 224 NE 10th Avenue.
Parcel ID: 2834-004-001
Project Description: Replacing the HVAC system, including insulation, landscape improvement, and installing a privacy fence.
Low Quote: $20,111.07
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $15.083.
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 home was built in 1966 and will be used as a rental property. The owners acquired the home in March 2025 and have made some interior improvements on their own.
• The HVAC will be replaced with a modern, energy-efficient system, and new insulation will be installed to make the home more efficient. The system was last replaced about 30 years ago and has exceeded its lifespan.
• The new HVAC will improve the living conditions and will be more functional for the home.
• The scope includes removing the existing windows and replacing them with energy-efficient ones.
• The landscape improvements include the removal of two oak trees and one Cedar tree and replacing them with attractive native landscaping. The trees have overgrown and may become a risk to the structure of the building.
• A new irrigation system will be installed to properly maintain the new landscape.
• Adding a new white six-foot vinyl privacy fence with two six-foot gates to provide security to the home.
• On April 15, 2025, the Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the home to review the proposed project.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) met on June 25, 2025, and recommended grant approval.
• Ms. Rachel Perez is a member of the Advisory Committee, presenting a conflict of interest. She completed the required documentation and recused herself from voting on the committee’s decision.
• These improvements are included in the priority work elements listed in the East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement grant framework.
• The applicant meets the requirements of the grant program and is eligible for consideration.
The attached packet includes the application, cost estimates, and photographs of existing conditions. Staff recommends approval of the grant, in an amount not to exceed $15,083.
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 $210,685.45. 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