Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 822 NE Third Street, in an amount not to exceed $6,600
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) East Ocala Residential Property Improvement Grant encourages homeowners to make exterior facade improvements, addressing neighborhood deterioration trends while adding value to the 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.
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Grant Application ID#: |
CRA24-0013 |
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Applicant: |
Pedro A. Comas |
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Address: |
822 NE Third Street (Parcel ID: 2820-044-011) |
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Project Description: |
The applicant is requesting a grant for re-roofing, including repair of the soffit and fascia of the building. |
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Low Quote: |
$8,800 |
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Recommended Grant Amount: |
Not to exceed $ 6,600 |
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 is currently occupied as a rental property.
• The roof has leaked, causing damage to the interior of the home. The roof replacement will help limit further damage to the home.
• The project is expected to take approximately seven to 10 working days, with the applicant planning to begin work as soon as possible.
• The application meets the grant program requirements and is eligible for consideration.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on December 10, 2024. The GRC and the applicant discussed future improvements, including landscaping, painting, and constructing an additional dwelling on the property.
• Per the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan, “1,392 structures, representing approximately 68.4 percent of the structures in the East Ocala CRA have issues concerning Quality of Structure.…a concentration of older, poorly maintained and deteriorated buildings creates many negative influences in an area including a loss of economic status, a lack of interest in new development, and increased occurrence of crime, and decreased revenues for businesses."
• The applicant, Pedro A. Comas, is an East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee member and did not vote on this grant application.
• The application packet and conflict of interest form are attached for your review.
• Staff recommends approving the grant in an amount not to exceed $6,600.
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 $405,880.67. 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