Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera, Esq.
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Presentation By: Charlita Whitehead
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant, 1113 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $17,785
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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: CRA26-0017
Applicant: Walter Demshock / Kelli Demshock
Address: 1113 NE Second Street
Parcel ID: 2834-002-106
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes the full installation of a perimeter fence and window replacements, along with all associated preparatory work.
Quote(s): High Quote(s): $33,938 Low Quote(s): $25,242
Recommended Grant Amount: $17,785
Property Information: This property is a single-family residence built in 1948. It has a taxable value of $100,485, a structure size of 1,445 square feet, and sits on a 0.14-acre lot. The home includes two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs and 50 percent on roofing improvements. The attached grant framework outlines the elements of eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified property location within the CRA, compliance with 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 21, 2026, and confirmed the scope and quotes. Staff observed that the existing perimeter fencing shows signs of deterioration that impact both the safety and the overall appearance of the property.
• The fence looks aged, damaged, and structurally weakened. In addition, the fence is visibly worn, leaning, rusted, or missing components negatively affect the visual quality of the area and can contribute to neighborhood blight.
• Improving the condition of perimeter fencing therefore plays an important role in enhancing curb appeal and maintaining the integrity of surrounding residential areas.
• Prep work includes removing damaged materials, leveling or clearing the installation area, verifying property lines, checking for underground utilities, and ensuring proper drainage helps prevent future structural issues and prolongs the lifespan of the fence.
Staff observed that the existing windows are in poor condition. Many of them do not open properly or are completely inoperable, which creates safety issues, reduces ventilation, and limits emergency egress. In addition, the frames and seals are deteriorated, allowing air and moisture intrusion that can lead to further structural damage. Replacing deteriorated windows improves safety, energy efficiency, and street-facing aesthetics, aligning with CRA residential improvement goals.
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 as the project meets CRA goals, improves safety and appearance, and supports neighborhood revitalization with eligible improvements. Refer to the attached applicant documents and staff supporting documents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Although the applicant qualifies for a maximum grant of $18,932, there is only $17,785 available to cover the recommended amount. Funding is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account (620-016-559-559-55-82010). Subsequent grant applications will remain on hold until additional funds are appropriated. The CRA has allocated approximately 95 percent of the funds budgeted for grants in Fiscal Year 2025-26.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny