[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6657397,"mediaKeyId","5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1","parentId",5075347,"title","Staff: skate park expansion delayed, Cocker Hill ITN open, CRA plan review and process improvements announced","audioSeconds",369,"startMs",2661000,"endMs",3030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1&start=2661&end=3030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1/thumbnail_2661000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657397/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/Staff-skate-park-expansion-delayed-Cocker-Hill-ITN-open-CRA-plan-review-and-process-improvements-announced","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657397-4daada2df2fa5545ca895bf4bce24853/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092322&Signature=MrLrF0P2vIROWs0HVxIVlbfY5DdSel3agoiDTPmXEU~M8d3jleCjD~~r7mfL5H-zL3coko3WMpmY2BPlTSR4nP836YsUrynzSCEgliqSiC1H6wTAneixwhIEgbumwSPiE9Hj5vm4QYIA58MLYcbJ9yZCCjcMSdkz22Icdbqn4nXcZd8r74lcsJxIRqa5vw8LH9CgBu4uDn4R2FR6LKgvORvUctN4yarJmMLYEwtf6otz5dupE3TWJYxAOw9Ys0R-7~4Sq8x6Fg-sKZHGcUrL3kAlfB2iVJfW3GE5yZkK2QwoFudncsipbbgn1RkWyoUlT4odGseZzk6ZUp6NehqVRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ocala","date","2025-06-25T00:00:00Z","article","Robert Douglas, the City of Ocala economic development manager, provided several project and program updates to the East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee at its June 25, 2025 meeting.

Skate park expansion

Douglas reported that engineering design for the skate park expansion is taking longer than expected. The completion deadline has been pushed from December 2025 to February 2026. He said the CRO will contribute funds to expand the park with four new areas; staff will provide updates as engineering work progresses.

Cocker Hill invitation to negotiate

Staff announced an open invitation to negotiate (ITN) for the Cocker Hill redevelopment project in the West Ocala CRA. The ITN requests proposals to construct up to 14 single-family homes on city-owned parcels. Proposals are due Aug. 18, 2025; submissions will go through the city procurement process for review and selection. Robert Douglas identified David Williams as the primary contact for ITN questions.

CRA plan review and grant-process improvements

Staff outlined a planned review of the CRA plan (originally adopted 2016) and noted the CRA’s time-certain for plan implementation runs through 2045 (with the CRA able to extend up to 2055 by resolution if warranted). The review will ensure CRA activities remain budgeted, located within CRA boundaries and tied to plan goals.

Douglas said staff will examine policies and procedures to make grant review and approvals more efficient. He noted the current minimum timeframe from application to award is about two months and said staff will explore how to shorten that period, particularly in cases involving conflicts of interest, quorum issues or scheduling delays.

Low-income applicant assistance

Staff reminded the committee about a separate process for low-income households: Community Services can administer CRA-funded work directly and pay vendors for eligible applicants who meet income thresholds. That program does not initially route through the advisory committee but draws from a CRA-approved funding pool; staff will circulate eligibility and application details to committee members for outreach purposes.

Why it matters

The updates affect project timelines and developer opportunities in Ocala. The Cocker Hill ITN is a near-term procurement opportunity for residential developers; the skate park delay shifts the expected public benefit timeline into early 2026. Process improvements and low-income assistance will affect how quickly eligible homeowners can get work done and be reimbursed.

Speakers

- Robert Douglas, Economic Development Manager, City of Ocala (project and process updates)
- David Williams (listed as primary contact for the Cocker Hill ITN in staff remarks)

Provenance

Transcript excerpts: skate park update and timeline (00:44:21–00:47:00); Cocker Hill ITN summary and Aug. 18 deadline (00:46:37–00:50:30); CRA plan review and process improvement discussion (00:54:13–01:01:00).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ocala - East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee - Jun 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Robert Douglas, the City of Ocala economic development manager, told the East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee on June 25, 2025 that the skate park expansion is delayed to February 2026 and that the city has issued an ITN for the Cocker Hill residential redevelopment, with proposals due Aug. 18, 2025.","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},6657401,"East Ocala advisory committee adds murals to commercial grant framework, increases max award to $50,000",521,2777000,3298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1&start=2777&end=3298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1/thumbnail_2777000.jpg","/articles/6657401/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/East-Ocala-advisory-committee-adds-murals-to-commercial-grant-framework-increases-max-award-to-50000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657401-7370d7442e9a364ae2203be6e25ef1d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092322&Signature=Bk7AmTJbOcx6O4SjBIztYE2bwwIIx6V3uauEUunPodKpixvUeXvhnT4C2mPNlMx2Oll~ljrQb0ovOjNao5KoRVxerEnnvIoVt8XeZgdDr050TxmuBXS8GquHj2tRpIkxP3qSvgGpep-1Tna8t5xKvtlJzucQraKs7XwwhwplGJqqgDv6ht7m-cdSgqyLptTEmf48IuBIYzgxiEwMqaGPzDkUqvDEJNoG2Jje0~HfYIw3lQYB8m1P8jeGAsbVpbg8-8agVAcpXx5HPD1S-eqIvcL6kUpFkfph05bQvjLJYv-8SpSWW17xof4oJHD-kGoV8V8H7zfgI2MKOd7bYjqTdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee on June 25, 2025 reviewed and approved a revised commercial grant framework that adds murals as an eligible item and raises the program’s maximum matching grant from $20,000 to $50,000.

Under the revised framework, the City of Ocala’s cultural arts advisory (OMAC) will review mural design proposals for artistic suitability and compliance with the city’s cultural-arts guidelines and form-based code. OMAC’s review is limited to artistic elements; the advisory committee and staff retain responsibility for reviewing the full grant application for CRA eligibility and fiscal prudence.

Staff said murals must avoid political messaging and be suitable for all ages and demographics. The framework limits funded art to street-visible façades and requires designs to adhere to established cultural-arts standards. The committee and staff discussed examples, including an existing mural near the Riley Center, to illustrate the intended scale and public impact of eligible work.

Committee members and staff discussed the economic intent of the change: staff described the program as an aesthetic and economic-development tool aimed at improving corridor appearance, increasing foot traffic and supporting business activity. Staff cautioned there is no direct, measurable guarantee that a mural will raise assessed property value; the committee retains discretion to deny any application it deems an unsuitable use of CRA funds.

The committee also discussed program limits: the mural program is limited to murals (not sculptures or other three-dimensional public art), and individual mural projects will still be reviewed for design suitability and CRA eligibility. Staff emphasized the committee will screen projects for scope and cost before approving reimbursements; a 60% grant at the new maximum would cover up to $50,000 of eligible mural costs.

Why it matters

Expanding eligible commercial grant work to include murals formalizes a previous community request and raises the ceiling for commercial artistic investments, potentially encouraging larger public-art projects along East Ocala corridors. The change is intended as one tool among capital improvements and incentives to restore corridor vitality.

Speakers

- Robert Douglas, Economic Development Manager, City of Ocala (presented framework revisions and explained OMAC involvement)
- Unidentified advisory committee members who asked questions about visibility, eligibility, and economic impact

Actions

- Committee motion: recommend approval of the revised commercial grant framework (adds murals as eligible; increases maximum commercial grant to $50,000; OMAC to review artistic elements). Outcome: motion approved by the advisory committee and will be moved forward to the CRA board/process as applicable.

Clarifying details

- Review: OMAC will evaluate artistic and design elements; the advisory committee reviews full applications for CRA eligibility.
- Visibility: Eligible murals must be visible from public street frontage; staff clarified that it is the street-facing visibility requirement rather than only the portion of a building directly fronting the street.
- Content restrictions: No political messaging; images must be suitable for all ages.
- Funding cap: Maximum commercial grant increased from $20,000 to $50,000; staff noted projects still require committee-level approval and may be denied if judged an inappropriate use of funds.

Provenance

Transcript excerpts: staff presentation and committee discussion of framework and murals, including OMAC’s role (00:46:05–00:51:40) and the formal motion to approve the revised framework (00:54:34–00:54:58).","The committee approved a revised commercial grant framework that makes building murals an eligible reimbursable item, raises the maximum commercial grant from $20,000 to $50,000, and assigns OMAC to review artistic elements of mural proposals.",{"_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},6657405,"East Ocala advisory committee approves a slate of residential and commercial property improvement grants",2513,158000,2671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1&start=158&end=2671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5075347-1ce453c900340ea89c4a3f804af40db1/thumbnail_158000.jpg","/articles/6657405/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/East-Ocala-advisory-committee-approves-a-slate-of-residential-and-commercial-property-improvement-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657405-e4278a95e020377ed55d47543bd15d48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092322&Signature=N4qhjBsCrm9MuNc3uZcuT3~UqlCZlkpMb3JpcRKlUJSYL8nnXoElrqtDjsEi69zxjxzqME61bF-ttzbh0SXktovF3Op2RUtW3soaa0pHRfEVV~R05JppKq1LhwuaWr1a3CSKA7hH6wd4Db9jpAmmyGdpSHj~2Lg3~V9rvYOdIN8eZMmRZbl7v1VGrMWyxdoTQZ90We8ts2yNfxS7rjjDisiS74v9qOQ96lAhm3YalYb41tjaOkiBZshZ-2IoXC6ZNGxo5KokL6v6HynZOqcBBgrbIAzWR11oy0pdkLI8Gz3N~RRD1riRmJjfjXRDIo8S402jHPUrZsIlYUu0eCMfUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee voted on June 25, 2025 to approve a series of residential property improvement grants and one commercial grant, awarding matching reimbursements for repairs and upgrades to older homes and a commercial building within the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area.

Committee staff presented nine applications for work that included reroofing, window replacement, HVAC replacement, exterior painting, fencing and debris removal. Staff recommended approval for each application after site visits and bid reviews. Several advisory committee members recused themselves on items where they had family ties to applicants; staff and the committee recorded those recusals on the public record.

The grants target historic and aging homes in East Ocala. Staff said the work is intended to increase energy efficiency, extend the useful life of structures and improve curb appeal; projects ranged from window- and HVAC-only applications to combined roof, paint and HVAC packages. Staff reported that adequate CRA funds are available for the recommended reimbursements.

The committee handled recusals on the record. Rachel Perez stated she was “employed by the applicant’s family” and recused herself on items tied to that employer. John Gamache stated he was related to an applicant and recused himself on applications tied to JFG Properties; those recusals were noted before discussion of the affected items.

Votes at a glance

- CRA25-00014 (TC Opportunities 2 LLC, 224 NE 10th Ave): Replace HVAC, landscape/irrigation, install perimeter privacy fence. Maximum eligible CRA reimbursement $15,083. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous among voting members present (recusal: Rachel Perez). (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:02:38–00:07:42; motion passes at 00:11:14–00:11:21.)

- CRA25-00003 (JFG Properties LLC/Joyce Gamache, 1114 NE 12th Ave): Replace original windows, pressure wash and repaint. Maximum eligible CRA reimbursement $13,474. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous among voting members present (recusal: John Gamache). (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:11:25–00:13:34; motion passes at 00:14:54–00:14:59.)

- CRA25-00007 (Ben Chuck): Replacement of 19 original windows; maximum eligible CRA reimbursement $12,289. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous. (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:15:21–00:17:32; motion passes at 00:20:33–00:20:36.)

- CRA25-00009 (JFG Properties / personal residence noted): Reroof, repaint exterior, tree/debris removal; property built 1918; maximum reimbursement $20,000. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous among voting members present (recusal: John Gamache). (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:20:40–00:23:48; motion passes at 00:24:42–00:24:50.)

- CRA25-00011 (Jody Talmich/Talman): Reroof, repaint exterior, replace HVAC; property built 1932; maximum eligible reimbursement $19,810. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous. (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:24:58–00:28:14; motion passes at 00:28:45–00:28:51.)

- CRA25-00013 (Ronald Alberti): Window replacements on a 1948 home, complex multi-pane windows; maximum reimbursement $20,000. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous. (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:30:30–00:33:34; motion passes at 00:34:36–00:34:42.)

- CRA25-00015 (TC Opportunity LLC / Robert Jenkins, 1030 NE 5th St): Window/insulation work and other eligible items; applicant recently purchased and completed some upgrades; reimbursement reported as $11,630 in staff remarks. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous among voting members present (recusal: Rachel Perez). (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:34:54–00:37:15; motion passes at 00:38:13–00:38:18.)

- CRA25-00023 (JFG Properties/Joyce Gamache): Replace windows and HVAC/furnace; property previously received a 2023 CRA reimbursement for exterior painting; maximum reimbursement $20,000. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous among voting members present (recusal: John Gamache). (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:38:19–00:41:15; motion passes at 00:41:40–00:41:46.)

- CRA25-00002 (commercial grant, Joyce Dimash): Commercial property window replacement; low bid $10,673; maximum commercial grant at 60% match $6,404. Committee action: approved. Vote: voice vote; unanimous. (Transcript evidence: presentation at 00:41:50–00:44:59; motion passes at 00:44:59–00:45:10.)

Why it matters

The grants are targeted at aging housing stock and small commercial properties along East Ocala corridors identified in the CRA plan. Committee members and staff repeatedly framed the work as preserving older homes, improving energy efficiency and reducing the risk of weather-related damage. Because many properties are historic or near-historic, members discussed longer-term maintenance needs (for example, window preservation) and potential future grant applications.

What else the committee noted

- Several members raised the salvage and reuse of old wooden windows; staff said they would look for local resources (staff mentioned Gainesville’s reuse projects as an example) and follow up on potential connections.
- Some contractors’ bids were higher because they used subcontractors; staff said they discussed comparability with applicants and sought additional bids when needed.

Speakers

- Marie Masidoux, Economic Development Specialist, City of Ocala (staff presenter of multiple residential grant applications)
- Shirley Whitehead, Economic Development and Cultural Arts Projects Coordinator, City of Ocala (presenter)
- Charlita / Charlena (presenter; transcript name inconsistent), staff (site-visit comments)
- Robert Douglas, Economic Development Manager, City of Ocala (later updates)
- Rachel Perez, Advisory Committee member (recused on multiple items; stated employment tie)
- John Gamache, Advisory Committee member (recused on JFG-related items; stated relationship to applicant)
- Committee members: Mr. Blair, Mr. Comas, Mr. Atkin (present at roll call)

Actions

The article reflects the nine formal actions listed above. Each was a motion to approve the staff recommendation for the specified CRA grant. Where committee members declared conflicts, those recusals were recorded on the public record before discussion. All nine motions passed by voice vote during the meeting; staff recorded the approvals and will process reimbursements under the CRA program.

Clarifying details

- Typical project timelines stated by staff: 30 days for most residential projects; one larger window replacement project estimated 16 weeks.
- Bid ranges were frequently wide because some contractors listed subcontracted work; staff discussed comparability and obtained multiple bids when needed.
- Several properties are historic-era houses (examples given: 1918, 1932, 1948, 1950, 1966) and many are rental properties.

Proper names

Included in this article: City of Ocala; East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (East Ocala CRA); TC Opportunities 2 LLC; JFG Properties LLC; Joyce Gamache; Ben Chuck; Ronald Alberti.

Provenance

Transcript excerpts supporting this article include staff presentations and the recorded motions and votes for each grant application. Representative transcript segments: presentation of first grant by Marie Masidoux (evidence excerpt) at 00:02:38–00:07:42; motion passes recorded for early items, e.g., 00:11:14–00:11:21; additional presentations and passings appear throughout 00:11:25–00:45:10.","The East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee voted on June 25, 2025 to approve multiple residential and one commercial property improvement grants covering roofing, windows, HVAC, painting and other exterior repairs; several members recused on items involving family-owned applicants.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff: skate park expansion delayed, Cocker Hill ITN open, CRA plan review and process improvements announced

East Ocala advisory committee adds murals to commercial grant framework, increases max award to $50,000

East Ocala advisory committee approves a slate of residential and commercial property improvement grants