West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Meeting - July 16, 2026

This meeting of the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee was held on July 16, 2026, at Ocala City Hall. Due to the absence of the chair and vice chair, committee member Brady Fritz was nominated and approved as acting chair. The meeting focused on informational staff updates regarding changes to the CRA grant program, a City Council workshop recap, and the status of the Tucker Hill redevelopment project. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 21, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) as presented.

Discussion Items

• City Council Workshop Recap (June 9, 2026): Staff liaison Roberto Ellis reported on discussions from the City Council work session. Key points included a review of CRA goals, the role of advisory committees, and the impact of the newly adopted Vision 2050 plan. The committee agreed to streamline the grant program, standardize deadlines (applications closing at month’s end), and allow the city manager to approve grants under certain emergency conditions (within 10 days). The goal is to reduce the average grant approval time from 76 days to 46 days. Clearer bylaws for advisory committees are being developed, including attendance expectations and membership protocols. Future meetings will be scheduled 12 times per year, with shorter, policy-focused sessions.
• Tucker Hill (Seventh Avenue Subdivision) Update: Eric Smith, Senior Transportation Project Administrator, reported that the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for Tucker Hill has been posted. The final parcel number was obtained, resolving outstanding issues. The property layout includes approximately six developable lots on the left side and seven on the right, with a city-built park in the middle. The ITN is open for bids via bidocala.com.
• Grant Program Modifications: Roberto Ellis outlined proposed changes to the residential and commercial grant frameworks. Residential grants will prioritize comprehensive projects over standalone items (e.g., painting, fencing). Commercial grants may allow a single bid from a licensed general contractor instead of requiring two quotes. New construction in non-priority areas (e.g., along State Road 200) will require permanent structures with a minimum 15-year stay. Clarifications will be added for eligible work items, project start deadlines, and reimbursement procedures.
• Grant Updates: Since the last meeting, three new single-family affordable housing units were completed in the West Ocala CRA. A grant for Wallach Coffee (300 sq ft modular structure) on State Road 200 was approved on June 16, 2026. A new application from Ramona Williamson for 2036 NW 2nd Street was presented: repainting and a new metal roof for a grant amount of $11,546. A site visit confirmed eligibility.
• Follow-Up on Previous Items: The Wallach Coffee building is 300 square feet. No ordinance currently exists to regulate scooters or e-bikes; the engineering department is investigating.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from May 21, 2026 were approved (5-0).
• Staff will continue developing the revised grant program documents and present them for future approval.
• The Tucker Hill ITN is open; bids can be submitted via the city’s procurement portal.
• The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026.
• Meeting adjourned with no further business.