Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve an East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1030 NE Fifth Street for an amount not to exceed $12,774
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
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.
The maximum amount that can be awarded is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of the project costs. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
Below is a summary of the application. The entire application packet is attached.
|
Grant ID # |
CRA25-0015 |
|
Applicant |
TC Opportunity, LLC. /Robert Jenkins |
|
Address |
1030 NE Fifth St |
|
Parcel ID |
2831-095-000 |
|
Project Description |
This project involves replacing windows and adding insulation. |
|
Low Quotes |
$17,031 |
|
Recommended Grant Amount |
$12,774 |
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• The home was built in 1943.
• The home will be used as a rental property. The future tenants, who currently rent another of the applicant's residential properties, plan to move in once renovations are complete.
• Per the applicant, “This project aligns closely with the goals of the CRA to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of properties while maintaining affordability for residents. This project represents a key element in our broader goal to revitalize the property while adhering to the affordability benchmarks set at 120 percent of the area median income (AMI).”
• The applicants recently purchased the home and, in addition to the proposed improvements, have made several upgrades, including electrical enhancements, tree removal, and interior renovations. The applicant also plans to install additional fencing along the side of the property.
• The improvements will increase the energy efficiency of the home and provide visual enhancements.
• The property is owned by TC Opportunity LLC, which is affiliated with the employer of Ms. Rachel Perez, a member of the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee. Ms. Perez appropriately recused herself from any discussion or vote related to this matter and submitted Form 8B in accordance with the procedures for addressing voting conflicts.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on March 11, 2025. The home was identified as a suitable candidate for this grant program.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended approval on July 25, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is adequate funding for the grants being considered at this meeting, with a balance of $227,975.45 in the East Ocala CRA grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010). 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