Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board Meeting - January 20, 2026

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Agency Board convened at 3:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. All five board members were present: Chairperson Ire Bethea Sr., Vice Chair Jay A. Musleh, Kristen Dreyer, James P. Hilty Sr., Barry Mansfield, and Mayor Ben Marciano. The board unanimously approved the December 2, 2025 meeting minutes and then considered a total of 13 grant applications from the Downtown and East Ocala CRAs. All grants were approved, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest.

Discussion Items

• 5a – Downtown CRA Commercial Building Improvement Grant (40 S. Magnolia Avenue): $50,000 to convert a vacant space into a Häagen-Dazs ice cream shop (50-50 match). Council Member Hilty asked about a 10% cap, and Economic Development Manager Roberto Ellis clarified that cap applies to a different grant program. Approved 5-0.
• 5b – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (1030 NE 5th Street): $5,370 to replace a fence (white vinyl). Approved 5-0.
• 5c – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (713 NE 4th Street): $9,667 to replace original windows at a rental property. Approved 5-0.
• 5d – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (719 NE 4th Street): $6,292 to replace windows with energy-efficient ones. Approved 5-0.
• 5e – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (206 NE 12th Avenue): $8,516 to replace windows over 20 years old. Approved 5-0.
• 5f – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (903 NE 2nd Street): $20,000 (maximum) for fencing improvements. Approved 5-0.
• 5g – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (1224 NE 12th Avenue): $8,781 to replace windows and an HVAC system. Approved 5-0.
• 5h – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (937 NE 3rd Street): $6,374 to replace an HVAC system installed in 2006. Approved 5-0.
• 5i – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (837 NE 2nd Street): $20,000 (maximum) for landscaping and fencing improvements. Approved 5-0.
• 5j – East CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (214 NE 11th Avenue): $2,764 for exterior painting (trim, porches, door). Approved 5-0.
• 5k – East CRA Historic Building Improvement Grant (732 NE 2nd Street): $30,549 (60% of $50,915 project) for exterior painting, termite treatment, insulation, and foundation work. Council Member Dreyer declared a conflict of interest (relative Robert E. Rooks II) and abstained. City Attorney and City Manager advised that paint color was not a condition of the grant. Approved 4-0 (Dreyer abstaining).
• 5l – East CRA Historic Building Improvement Grant (721 NE 2nd Street): $40,000 (maximum) to convert a three-unit rental back to a single-family residence. Approved 5-0.
• 5m – East CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant (605 E. Silver Springs Boulevard – Foxfire Building): Two-phase award: $50,000 in FY 2025-26 for exterior shell improvements (demolition, ADA ramps, parking) and $50,000 in FY 2026-27 for interior build-out. Total estimated project cost ~$783,000. Approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public provided comments.

Key Outcomes

• All 13 grant applications were approved, totaling $308,313 in awarded funds.
• Council Member Kristen Dreyer abstained from item 5k due to a conflict of interest.
• The board clarified that the 10% cap mentioned for some grants applies to a different program, not the ones considered.
• For item 5k, the board confirmed that the grant does not restrict paint color.
• The meeting adjourned at 3:51 PM.