110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

www.ocalafl.gov

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory

Committee

Minutes

3:00 PM

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Call To Order

Roll Call

Present

Carolyn Adams

Chairman Barbara Brooks

Elgin Carelock

Reginald E. Landers Jr.

Vice Chairman Ruth Etta Reed

Dwan Thomas

Antoinette Hunt

Brady Fritz

Public Notice

The public notice information for the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee was published on

September 12, 2024

Approval of Minutes

There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.

July 18, 2024

Final Minutes West Ocala 7-18-24

APPROVED

Attachments:

RESULT:

MOVER:

Ruth Etta Reed

SECONDER: Elgin Carelock

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed,

Thomas, Hunt, and Fritz

Grants/Applications

CRA24-45744

CRA24-45744 - 1700 NW 8th Ave.

Attachments:

Economic Development Manager Roberto Ellis discussed a grant application for the

property known as 1700 NW 8th Avenue. The applicant is proposing the following

improvements: demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new 10,855 square

foot warehouse and office building. The total project cost is $2,548,513; staff

recommends approval of a grant in an amount not to exceed $203,881.

Motion to approve CRA24-45744 in an amount not to exceed $203,881.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Brady Fritz

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed,

Thomas, Hunt, and Fritz

CRA24-45788

CRA24-45788 - 815 W. Silver Springs Pl.

Attachments:

Mr. Ellis discussed a grant application for the property known as 815 W. Silver Springs

Place. The applicant is proposing the following improvements: roof replacement. The

lowest bid received for the project amounts to $7,155.50; the grant will cover 75% of the

cost. Staff recommends approval of a grant in an amount not to exceed $5,366.62.

Member Dr. Barbara Brooks disclosed she is the trustee of the Brooks Family Trust, who

owns the subject property. She recused herself from the vote.

Motion to approve CRA24-45788 for a grant award amount not to exceed $5,366.62.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Carolyn Adams

AYE:

Adams, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, Thomas, Hunt, and

Fritz

RECUSED:

Chairman Brooks

CRA24-45829

CRA24-45829- 242 NW 16th Ct.

Attachments:

Mr. Ellis discussed a grant application for the property known as 242 NW 16th Court.

The applicant is proposing the following improvements: HVAC system, insulation, and

exterior windows. The lowest bid received for the project amounts to $21,241.50; the

grant will cover 75% of the cost. Staff recommends approval of a grant in an amount not

to exceed $15,931.13.

Motion to approve CRA24-45829 for a grant award amount not to exceed $15,931.13.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Carolyn Adams

SECONDER: Antoinette Hunt

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed,

Thomas, Hunt, and Fritz

CRA24-45825

CRA24-45825-1705 NW 16th Ct.

Attachments:

Economic Development Specialist Marie Mesadieu discussed a grant application for the

property known as 1705 NW 16th Court. The applicant is proposing the following

improvements: roof replacement, HVAC system, and 17 exterior windows. The lowest

bid received for the project amounts to $29,558.95; the grant will cover 75% of the cost.

Staff recommends approval of a grant in an amount not to exceed $20,000.

Dwan Thomas suggested creating a pathway to help residents who do not have upfront

cash to participate in the program.

Director of Community Development Services James Haynes spoke on how the City

strives to assist residents directly with available grant funds. Furthermore, he clarified the

referral process and grant funding opportunities.

Mr. Ellis clarified the grant program’s process including the reimbursement process. He

confirmed the public can reapply for grants each fiscal year; excluding awarded grant

funds.

Motion to approve CRA24-45825 for a grant award amount not to exceed $20,000.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Dwan Thomas

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed,

Thomas, Hunt, and Fritz

CRA24-45827

CRA24-45827-1340 NW 11th Ave.

Attachments:

Ms. Mesadieu discussed a grant application for the property known as 1340 NW 11th

Avenue. The applicant is proposing the following improvements: roof replacement,

exterior windows, and exterior paint job. The lowest bid received for the project amounts

to $18,995; the grant will cover 75% of the cost. Staff recommends approval of a grant in

an amount not to exceed $14,246.25.

Motion to approve CRA24-45827 for a grant award amount not to exceed $14,246.25.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Dwan Thomas

SECONDER: Elgin Carelock

AYE: Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Landers, Vice Chairman Reed,

Thomas, Hunt, and Fritz

Project Updates

Mr. Ellis provided a brief update on the following projects: Reed Place Brownfields

Revitalization Plan, Tucker Hill Infrastructure Improvements, and Heritage Trail. The City is

proposing a tentative meeting for the Reed Place Brownfields Revitalization Plan on November

1, 2024. Furthermore, the infrastructure improvements were completed for the Tucker Hill

project; estimated project cost is $294,799. The City completed the Heritage Trail project; total

project cost $308,772.66.

Planning Director Aubrey Hale confirmed the City will consider expanding Heritage Trail.

Mr. Ellis provided a brief update on the following grant projects: 1338 NW 14th Avenue and

620 W Silver Springs Place.

Other Business

Mr. Ellis discussed the Mercy Village affordable housing project. The developer is proposing to

build 59, one bedroom apartments. The estimated development cost is $11.7 million, and the

approved grant amount is $131,928.

Mr. Haynes spoke on how the development project will increase affordable housing

opportunities in the City.

Mr. Hale clarified the development project and grant funding opportunities.

Mr. Ellis discussed proposed changes to the Residential Improvement Grant Program. Staff

proosed adding termite tenting to the list of eligible work.

Ms. Reed motioned to approve adding terminate tenting to the list of eligible work under the

Residential Property Improvement Grant Program. Mr. Carelock seconded the motion.

Mr. Ellis provided a brief overview of approved grants for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

MOVER:

SECONDER: Elgin Carelock

Public Comments

Ruth Etta Reed

None.

Staff Comments

Mr. Hale encouraged the public to apply to serve on the City’s Committees and Boards.

Mr. Ellis clarified the feedback the City would like to receive from the Committee regarding the

Reed Place Brownfield Revitalization Plan.

Mr. Haynes announced upcoming public hearings for the Housing Grant.

Board Comments

None.

10.

11.

Next Meeting Date: November 21, 2024

Adjournment 4:11 pm.