110 SE Watula Avenue

Ocala, FL 34471

Ocala

www.ocalafl.gov

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory

Committee

Minutes

3:00 PM

Thursday, January 23, 2025

]1.

Call To Order

Roll Call

Carolyn Adams

Chairman Barbara Brooks

Elgin Carelock

Antoinette Hunt

Brady Fritz

Present

Absent

Reginald E. Landers Jr.

Vice Chairman Ruth Etta Reed

Dwan Thomas

Public Notice

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

January 10, 2025

Approval of Minutes

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024 West Ocala CRA AC Minutes

Attachments:

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Brady Fritz

SECONDER: Elgin Carelock

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Hunt, and Fritz

ABSENT:

Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, and Thomas

Grants/Applications

CRA25-0001 - SW 34th Circle

Attachments:

Economic Development Roberto Ellis discussed a grant application for the property

known as SW 34th Circle. The applicant is proposing to construct a new two-story

10,098 square foot medical office, Ocala Plastic Surgery. The total project cost is

estimated to be $4,562,410.82. Mr. Ellis stated that while the project is eligible for grant

consideration, the project is located outside the priority area for the CRA. The project

was scored by the five members present, and received an average score of 85.6/100

points.

Kendal Drake, Drake Construction, spoke on the value of the project and proposed

improvements. He encouraged the CRA Committee to support the proposed

development project.

Motion to approve CRA25-0001 in a match amount of 5.5% in an amount not to exceed

$211,918 with a payback period of 7.3 years.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Carolyn Adams

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Hunt, and Fritz

Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, and Thomas

ABSENT:

CRA24-45841 - 650 NW 5th Street

Attachments:

Voting Conflict - A. Hunt

Economic Development Specialist Marie Mesadieu discussed a grant application for the

property located at 650 NW 5th Street. The applicant is proposing to construct a

single-family home with three (3) bedrooms and two (2) baths. The lowest bid received

for the project amounts to $159,900.00. Staff recommends approval of a grant in an

amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

Member Antoinette Hunt recused herself from the vote, as she is the applicant. Ms. Hunt

discussed her interest in pursuing development projects in the area.

Motion to approve CRA24-45841 in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00.

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Carolyn Adams

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, and Fritz

ABSENT:

RECUSED:

Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, and Thomas

Hunt

Project Updates

Economic Development/Cultural Arts Coordinator Charlita Whitehead provided a brief update

on the following projects: Reed Place Brownfields Revitalization Plan, four surplus lots

(affordable housing in West Ocala) that are currently available for sale, and Tucker Hill.

Other Business

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

RESULT:

APPROVED

MOVER:

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Barbara Brooks

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Hunt, and Fritz

Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, and Thomas

ABSENT:

Commercial Property Improvement Grant - Redlines

Attachments:

Mr. Ellis discussed the Commercial Property Improvement Grant. The City is requesting

to increase the maximum grant from $15,000 to $50,000. The grant increase will greatly

benefit the redevelopment of vacant properties. The CRA Board will consider the request

on February 18, 2025.

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED

Elgin Carelock

SECONDER: Barbara Brooks

AYE:

Adams, Chairman Brooks, Carelock, Hunt, and Fritz

Landers, Vice Chairman Reed, and Thomas

ABSENT:

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Goals and Objectives

Attachments:

Mr. Ellis reviewed the budget for fiscal year 2024-25: account balance (grants)

$699,304.33, total paid $53,406.67, projects to be completed (15) $402,943.00, and

available balance $296,361.33. Staff will be presenting a budget resolution to City

Council, to appropriate additional funds for grants.

Public Comments

None

Staff Comments

Mr. Ellis reported the City is collaborating with the Community Services Department to support

the Affordable Housing Program. This program assists with those who are not able to come up

with funds upfront for home repairs as required for residential grants. All funds from the

$150,000 allocated amount have been committed to ongoing and planned projects.

Mr. Ellis reviewed the updated reporting guidelines for special districts that was passed by the

Florida State Legislature in 2024. The City will present the FY 2024-2025 performance report

on December 1, 2025.

Public Meeting Notice - Parking Garage #2 Updates

Attachments:

Mr. Ellis reported the public meeting regarding the second parking garage are scheduled

for January 30, 2025, at 12 PM and 5 PM.

Mr. Ellis also informed five Committee Member’s that their terms will be expiring at the

end of February and to reapply if they would like to continue to serve.

Board Comments

None.

10.

Next Meeting Date: March 20, 2025