Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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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 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $20,000
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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 home was built in 1910 and is considered a historic building known as the “Blakely House.” The structure consists of two connected sections, totaling an estimated 6,000 square feet. The roof was recently replaced in 2019. The property taxes are paid and up to date. The property serves as the applicants’ primary residence.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0027
Applicants: Matt Reber and Terrence Marince
Address: 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
Parcel ID: 2820-000-001
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes surface preparation and repainting of a residential building.
Low Quote: $27,475
High Quote: $30,239.60
Grant Amount: Not to exceed $20,000
Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs. 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.
The property is located within the Ocala Historic District and is eligible for the Historic Building Improvement Grant; however, the applicants elected to apply to the Residential Property Improvement Grant program to maximize the match available. The applicable land development code provisions of Chapter 94 - Historic Preservation apply to properties within a locally designated historic district. Approval of this grant does not preclude the property from the applicable provisions of Chapter 94.
Bid Review:
Staff reviewed the submitted contractor estimates, which ranged from $27,475 to $30,239.60. Both contractors include exterior surface preparation and repainting. The cost differences are attributable to each contractor’s pricing methodology, overhead, and approach to project execution, rather than any significant differences in the overall scope of work. Staff’s review found that both estimates address the same observed site conditions and proposed improvements.
The quoted amounts are appropriate for the scale of the project, as the work involves repainting two buildings along with minor façade repairs.
Site Visit Review:
• Staff completed a site visit on June 3, 2026, and confirmed that the property exhibits exterior deterioration, including peeling and fading paint.
• The proposed color scheme will remain consistent with the existing colors. The bids also include restoration and minor cosmetic repairs to existing exterior components such as shutters, trim, soffits, and gables.
• The proposed improvements will serve as a protective measure that helps extend the life of the original materials.
• Repainting the building will also visually enhance the wider historic district while helping maintain the building’s character and supporting its cultural heritage.
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.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval. Refer to the attached case map and aerial map (CRA26-0027), staff supporting documents (CRA26-0027), the grant framework, and the application packet (CRA26-0027).
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. 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