Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for 121 SW 20th Avenue in an amount not to exceed $11,754
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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 West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant (Grant Program) 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 is a 1,488-square foot house completed in 1973 sitting on a 0.18-acre lot. property is a single-family residence built in 1973. It is a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a taxable value of $143,835. The owners acquired the home in January 1973 and have completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0030
Applicant: Hubert Naylor
Address: 121 SW 20th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
Parcel ID: 2260-132-026
Scope of Work: The proposed project includes pressure washing, exterior painting, and other work to repair and prepare for painting; demolition of an irreparable chimney; replacement of doors; and reroofing of the primary residence.
High Quote: $24,050
Low Quote: $15,672
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $11,754
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 that the property is located within the CRA, that it complies with the program guide, and that work will begin after approval. The scope of work for the project addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area of the city with a high number of aging housing stock and substandard structures. This investment will improve livability, visual quality, and neighborhood revitalization.
Scope of Work and Project Cost Review: Staff reviewed the two contractor estimates submitted with the application. The proposed project costs range from $15,672 to $24,050. Although the contractors presented the information with different levels of detail, staff find that both estimates align with the proposed scope of work. Both estimates reflect grant-eligible exterior improvements:
• Replacement of the damaged side entrance door and installation of a new storm door, updated hardware and trim to restore proper function, improve security, and enhance the home’s exterior appearance.
• Exterior painting after required preparatory work including pressure washing, repairs to stucco, block, soffit, and fascia surfaces.
• Reroofing of the existing roof system with new asphalt shingles.
• Demolition and removal of the deteriorated and irreparable chimney structure, along with the restoration of the affected exterior surfaces to ensure safety, structural integrity, and a uniform appearance.
Site Visit and Review: Staff conducted a site visit on June 17, 2026, and observed that the scope of work is warranted because the residence's exterior components have deteriorated due to age, weather exposure, and deferred maintenance, resulting in functional, aesthetic, and structural deficiencies. Together, these improvements ensure that the property meets the functional and aesthetic objectives of the CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant Program.
CRA Plan Compliance: West Ocala: The proposed project aligns with the West Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to improve community facilities, enhance gateways, and remediate blighted properties.
• In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment.
o Objective 4, 6, and 7 - 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.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Currently, there is adequate funding of $752,537 available in the West Ocala CRA Grants account 623-016-560-559-55-82010 to accommodate this project. The reimbursement will be paid 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