Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve an East Ocala CRA Commercial Building Improvement grant for property located at 910 NE 8th Avenue, in amount not to exceed $10,592.65 (Case: CRA24-45860)
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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 intent of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) East Ocala subarea Commercial Building Improvement Grant Program is to encourage business owners to make improvements to building exterior facades and sites. Facade enhancements, including the replacement of windows and doors, are listed as a priority work eligible for reimbursement. In 2023, the maximum annual grant was increased to $20,000.00, and the CRA grant match was increased to 60 percent of the project cost. Below is a summary of the application.
Grant Application ID#:
CRA24-45860
Applicant:
Empire Construction
Address:
910 NE 8th Avenue
Project Description:
Replacement of windows to enhance the building facade.
Low Quote:
$17,654.42
Recommended Grant Amount:
Not to exceed $10,592.65
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Staff reviewed and processed the application in accordance with the grant program guidelines and evaluation criteria. The key findings are presented below:
* The property is located along one of the main corridors in the CRA. The improvements will benefit both the applicant and the CRA, as the building is visible from NE 8th Avenue.
* The improvements will increase the building's energy efficiency, enhance the facade, and improve protection from extreme weather events.
* The use was changed from residential to office spaces in 1985 and has been used as the Applicant's main office for the past three years.
* The East Ocala Grant Review Committee (GRC) visited the site and met with the applicant on October 15, 2024. The Committee discussed the existing c...
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