Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Agency Board met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:45 PM in the Council Chambers at Ocala City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ire Bethea Sr. with all members present except Mayor Ben Marciano (excused). The board considered four agenda items, including reappointments and a grant application, and adjourned at 4:02 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Reappointment of Wendy Kebrdle to the North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee for a four-year term ending March 1, 2030. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Reappointment of Rachel Perez to the East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee for a new term ending March 1, 2030. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Addition of Parcel 26297-000-01 to the City’s Surplus Property List: The city acquired the property in 2019 and donated a portion to a cemetery in 2020. The remaining triangular-shaped lot is to be surplused; the adjacent larger lot (1.41 acres) will be retained for redevelopment. The cemetery has expressed interest in acquiring the triangular parcel. Approved unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant (Parcel 2834-004-101): Economic Development Manager Roberto Ellis presented a $20,000 grant request from TC Opportunity 3 LLC (represented by Robert Jenkins) to construct a new single-family home (3-bed, 2-bath, 1,372 sq. ft.) on a vacant lot at Northeast Third Street and Northeast 10th Avenue. The property will be leased to an affordable housing-qualified family at rates meeting the city’s affordability threshold, with a 10-year affordability requirement secured by a lien. The current taxable value is under $30,000; the project is expected to raise it to over $200,000. Council Member James Hilty voiced concerns: (1) the application was submitted by an individual (Robert Jenkins) rather than the LLC owning the property, (2) the LLC owns multiple nearby parcels, raising the possibility of repeated grants, and (3) the property is a rental unit, not owner-occupied. Vice Chair Jay Musleh and City Manager Pete Lee noted the grant is consistent with the CRA plan to increase affordable housing and property values, and that the applicant is an authorized representative. Council Member Kristen Dreyer asked about a previous directive for staff to review grant criteria; staff is still refining recommendations and will bring updated CRA terms to the Council in the coming months. Hilty requested that future applications include full business ownership details. Staff committed to providing clearer documentation. The motion passed 4-1, with Hilty voting nay.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Reappointments of Wendy Kebrdle and Rachel Perez to advisory committees.
• Approved (unanimous): Addition of parcel 26297-000-01 to the surplus property list.
• Approved (4-1): $20,000 grant for TC Opportunity 3 LLC for affordable housing construction on parcel 2834-004-101.
• Directive: Staff will provide more detailed background information on future grant applicants, including corporate ownership documentation.
• Upcoming: Staff will present revised CRA grant criteria and terms to the City Council in the coming months.