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 Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 837 NE Second Street, in an amount not to exceed $19,810
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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.
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.
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Grant ID # |
CRA25-0011 |
|
Applicant |
Jody Talmadge |
|
Address |
837 NE Second St |
|
Parcel ID |
2820-044-003 |
|
Project Description |
This project involves reroofing, repainting, and replacing the HVAC. |
|
Low Quotes |
$26,413 |
|
Recommended Grant Amount |
$19,810 |
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are outlined below:
• The home was built in 1932.
• The applicant has lived in the home for 18 years and runs a hair salon from the property.
• The roof has holes, is leaking, and is currently covered with a tarp, leaving it vulnerable to heavy rain, weather-related damage, and reduced energy efficiency.
• The HVAC system does not work correctly and causes power surges.
• The exterior paint is chipping, leading to damage to the underlying wood, which now requires replacement. The home will be repainted to its current color.
• The grant will enable these essential improvements to be completed more efficiently, preventing further damage to the home.
• The improvements will increase energy efficiency, provide added weather protection, and improve the aesthetic appeal of the home.
• The application meets the requirements and is eligible for grant consideration.
• The Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the property on April 15, 2025. The home was identified as a suitable candidate for this grant program. There are potential options for future improvements that could be supported by the grant, including repair of the stairs to the back deck and landscaping.
• The East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended approval of this application on July 25, 2025.
Please refer to the attached documents for the application packet and approved grant framework. Staff recommends approval.
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