[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6570647,"mediaKeyId","3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b","parentId",3327364,"title","West Ocala CRA staff outline budget priorities, policy tweaks and an expanded commercial grant program","audioSeconds",535,"startMs",2388000,"endMs",2923000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b&start=2388&end=2923","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b/thumbnail_2388000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6570647/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/West-Ocala-CRA-staff-outline-budget-priorities-policy-tweaks-and-an-expanded-commercial-grant-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570647-a4a006c5bc775fea3aabcb6497e05a84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098430&Signature=R844~6Ep5p7D05Ojl2cwBFqsVyIfZUZSALW10fiMpgETxUxJRC6zT7VIj9CuBm1tx8nESgAjfb~KfWsOCOkSpLSLo1vU7mRho3WInYZ~EpIrSubyJxvrk9pFgYKjaKHz8aPVFVhIkX0hzHNcdnt773gAEYOio8eFVObpojGqSybrl7TJAFf1joiV3dF4uL1DPwncC8KcIyKFrdE2PsVI9RE6U8UTK0fb8-xnkHoZgWEiCpGhEXGHQoeDaU7Pcg2y4bziL1z5TrD~SSA-4xMZCk9vP79vSfxvMfq2fGFVVb3o7RbFw0kSZSVDHREdTAg5eew1fBejyj3TYoYvVnAuRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ocala","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","City staff briefed the West Ocala CRA advisory board on proposed budget priorities for fiscal year 2025‑26, recent incentive activity, and modest program changes intended to better target redevelopment of vacant properties.

Staff highlighted proposed line items for the CRA’s next fiscal year, including land acquisition, gateway and wayfinding projects, streetscape work, and alignment with the City’s Vision 2050 corridor priorities (specifically State Road 40). The presentation noted an operational component and special requests for staffing tied to implementation.

Staff also updated the committee on a recent commercial incentive: a new Culver’s restaurant on West Silver Springs Boulevard received a CRA construction incentive of about $172,788 toward an estimated $2.8 million project; staff said the restaurant is expected to employ up to 80 persons when complete.

The advisory board was told the maximum commercial property improvement grant in a different CRA (West Of Dallas CRA) was increased from $15,000 to $50,000 (75% match), and that the residential grant program was amended to include termite treatment among eligible improvements. Staff said residential awards remain limited to one eligible award per year under the program framework.

Members asked how residents without upfront funds could access improvements; staff said a portion of funding is allocated to help income‑qualified residents through the community services department and that staff will assist applicants through the qualification process. Staff reminded members about required CRA award training and Sunshine Law training scheduled for May, and emphasized the advisory board’s role in aligning grant decisions with each CRA plan because the City Council (the ultimate CRA board) and state audits review those alignments.

Staff closed by saying they will continue to present portions of the CRA plan at future meetings so members understand duties and plan alignment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ocala - West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reviewed FY25‑26 budget priorities tied to Vision 2050, reported a Culver's incentive grant, and outlined program changes including raising the maximum commercial improvement grant and adding termite treatment to residential grant eligibility.","taxTitle","Ocala, Marion County, Florida","taxId",4898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570654,"West Ocala CRA discusses Heritage Trail lighting, landscaping and outreach to local schools",276,1690000,1966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b&start=1690&end=1966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b/thumbnail_1690000.jpg","/articles/6570654/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/West-Ocala-CRA-discusses-Heritage-Trail-lighting-landscaping-and-outreach-to-local-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570654-cb66fe957b1b182042e38c38faa8e8d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098430&Signature=ZgD2wKV~Cx2a~000SS6hShslrVFlPdSjsQML5noAmhSGflnq7vIT4nYMOs0AcKPIPH3ZoxQ2hqdXJy5P-gPuMugVnZfI~9TeFZAfjttDASmkrAOIglQULh9rvowjRo4ntsZGacvR52D9r9gPbf0-7mDidAGdlDEfPq1Fo1OiadOffyjCytI0BrUAsZYs~UqydC172pDGakZzK6ssGjgnPyuUSRSyPl1-XBqp4sD5JSPv2NXAyQqqLujSmXEbU5T~jhi5pgszt1awP4huIyHHe~57GeU3qt76hEExRvaqvyAuJZEwNTSFC6hnXU0Xe-cAXERy00hbl9HimKQhcxPcLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and advisory board members discussed finalizing elements of the Heritage Trail and ways to increase public awareness and visitation.

Staff said two final items remain for the trail: additional trees and lighting to illuminate public art and facilities at night. Board members raised concerns about blight on adjacent parcels along Ninth Avenue and asked about options the city could pursue to improve appearance and access.

Committee members proposed outreach ideas to draw residents and schoolchildren to the trail, including coordinated field trips, a ribbon program for schools, pop‑up events with local vendors, and partnerships with the cultural arts division. One board member suggested connecting with Madison Street Basic Plus and other nearby schools so students could serve as ambassadors to the trail.

Casey Griffith, director of government and community relations (mentioned by staff as a contact for a historical presentation), was cited as a staff point of contact to develop a school‑focused historical program. Staff said funds for expanded public outreach and education will be available in October and that the city’s cultural arts division already runs programming that could support Heritage Trail events.

Board members asked staff to explore partnerships to address adjacent property maintenance and to bring outreach plans back to a future meeting for review.","Staff reported plans to add trees and lighting along the Heritage Trail and discussed partnering with schools and cultural arts to promote trail use and community programming.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570658,"Ocala staff set July 25 target to issue ITN for Tucker Hill single‑family development",92,1571000,1663000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b&start=1571&end=1663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b/thumbnail_1571000.jpg","/articles/6570658/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/Ocala-staff-set-July-25-target-to-issue-ITN-for-Tucker-Hill-singlefamily-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570658-c591f6e12c27b0e051a0aefcb2815c57/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098430&Signature=mHi5B1VPtMaV~72LSNyvo1BKZ0uEqkoCYj1DLmK9zvkbaYhm57srl-NO~jvSPJZNXe966l27Do9zJkKwk0GzAk6fHxcqHEY1yyZbDABETApF2GLbnk-vcTkiYcUuueL9vbaLTJycoPdDohoQOIVbRrTI7wmhhuUo6ScTBL-rVxT4ATpyv3z4ZKD2v0VxqZQTlDpaK~S3CQFGBSBCgbKQfTdFKAZcN0j2Z4FAl257tKqZj7VRdMT58O9wk21CfhsCFPwmojzIXzvcmr2EsOruRibCGv5MLarjFXbkGM3NvI5DPDU9dBPU2RcjeEaESYHuA8u5zmaDw7NTmtSUQbI~UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff reported that work to ready the Tucker Hill site for redevelopment has reached a procurement stage and a competitive Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) will be issued to solicit developers to construct up to 13 single‑family homes.

Marie Mesidou, economic development specialist, told the advisory board that consultants are finalizing the site plan and that staff has set a target date of July 25, 2025, for completion of the procurement documents. She said the ITN will allow proposers 60 days to respond once it is issued and that procurement staff will then begin the review process.

Staff said infrastructure work on the site was completed late last year, which was necessary before marketing the parcels to developers. Mesidou said the goal is to issue a clear ITN so that proposers receive a developable site with utilities and site preparation finished, enabling a faster path to construction after selection.

Board members expressed relief the project is advancing after years of delay; one member noted the importance of ensuring proper documents are in place to avoid further hold‑ups.

Staff indicated the ITN and developer selection will follow standard procurement procedures and that the project timeline depends on proposer responses and subsequent council approvals.","City staff reported progress on the Tucker Hill redevelopment: an ITN to invite developers to build up to 13 single‑family homes is expected to be issued with a July 25, 2025 target for finalizing the procurement package.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570662,"West Ocala CRA advisory board approves three residential improvement grants after debate over secondary‑home eligibility",1050,77000,1127000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b&start=77&end=1127","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327364-e9c33f962998a74370ce9a4a1558121b/thumbnail_77000.jpg","/articles/6570662/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/West-Ocala-CRA-advisory-board-approves-three-residential-improvement-grants-after-debate-over-secondaryhome-eligibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570662-600269790a52825408c2038e618ddc09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098430&Signature=nYQu4Blp60z35~w8u5xlpG3L25Yr5-HLiPNR1~~Hv2r~yh9TRir1oQAQKxwRRIpgzw8rH5XybmM9BxTK0eLnh52JGJ6QJNmGZi8aPxqMo7hbnRzNN3QDpplqQRvSj1zMlnYWbzWwSZMXvueYXXEGS5yTI6svRHAkmbWcBeNUtJ9mLmIXV2MxliE2nfUkQ1bivc-YvlMe7TblSeiNat7qc485gItryFS-6HArOTYhmZcT5sMRqrcpa8ydxhHgUGT80hSHtQvFcVWmWtVi3qJk2y3Q6Eth7IboQ6gDazncjG~uN8C-d8t8RBBCUS9A3zIKjER64wPxkpgkNpmFLWNhXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Advisory Board voted to approve three residential improvement grants and carried a set of routine motions during its meeting; members debated whether the CRA program should prioritize owner‑occupied properties over secondary residences.

Committee staff presented three separate residential grant applications for window or roof replacement at properties inside the West Ocala CRA. Marie Mesidou, economic development specialist, told the board that staff “recommends approval” of each application after a site visit and a review of bids and eligibility under the CRA’s residential improvement grant guidelines.

The board’s most contested decision concerned CRA250017, an application from Angela and Kenneth Moore for replacement windows at 1338 Northwest 14th Avenue. Aubrey Hill, planning director, told members they could table the application if they wanted “further information as to the status of how this home is going to be used.” Members pressed staff about whether the property would be owner‑occupied, rented, or kept as a secondary residence; Mesidou said the owners currently live in Fort Lauderdale and use the Ocala property as a secondary home, and that the home had recently been vacant because of roof condition.

Dr. Brooks, a committee member, argued that the board should judge the application on its merits and move forward. After discussion, the motion to approve CRA250017 carried with one member recorded as opposing; staff said clarification about the program’s priority for owner‑occupied units would be provided to avoid similar questions in future cycles.

Two other residential applications were approved with no recorded opposition: a roof replacement at 2405 Northwest Second Street (applicant: Dennis Johnson) and a window replacement at 1117 Northwest 11th Avenue (applicant: Reginald Ponder). In each case staff reported that the project was eligible for the West Ocala CRA Residential Improvement Grant Program, that adequate funds were available, and that the work would preserve structural integrity and improve energy efficiency.

The board also approved minutes and re‑elected its current officers by voice vote.

Votes at a glance
- CRA250017 (1338 NW 14th Ave, windows; applicants Angela and Kenneth Moore): approved (motion carried; one opposing member recorded). Staff recommended a maximum CRA award not to exceed $20,000 under the program’s 75% match rule; bids reported in the presentation ranged from about $27,082 to $27,837.
- Roof replacement (2405 NW Second St; applicant Dennis Johnson): approved (voice vote; no opposing recorded). Staff reported a project cost estimate and recommended reimbursement up to $10,781 based on the 75% match.
- CRA2250019 (1117 NW 11th Ave, windows; applicant Reginald Ponder): approved (voice vote; no opposing recorded). Staff reported quotes between $7,761 and $13,387 and a maximum CRA award of $5,821 (75% match basis).
- Approval of meeting minutes and election of officers: adopted by voice vote.

Board members asked staff to clarify program eligibility for secondary homes and to emphasize the CRA plan and grant guidelines when processing future applications so applicants understand priority and sequencing. Staff said it will follow up with applicants to confirm intended use and will provide the committee with clearer guidance in future cycles.","The West Ocala CRA advisory board approved three residential improvement grants and held votes on procedural items; members debated whether grants may be awarded for properties used as secondary homes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

West Ocala CRA staff outline budget priorities, policy tweaks and an expanded commercial grant program

West Ocala CRA discusses Heritage Trail lighting, landscaping and outreach to local schools

Ocala staff set July 25 target to issue ITN for Tucker Hill single‑family development

West Ocala CRA advisory board approves three residential improvement grants after debate over secondary‑home eligibility