The Ocala CRA Agency Board on Nov. 4 approved a set of West Ocala residential property improvement grants intended to convert surplus lots into affordable housing, while also instructing staff to consider policy changes after a council member raised conflict-of-interest concerns.

Economic Development Manager Roberto Ellis summarized the West Ocala projects: one application from Linda Wilkerson to replace a damaged fence (estimated cost $4,380; maximum grant $3,285) and two single-family builds proposed by DNS Development (represented by Duane Thomas) on surplus lots. Staff said the DNS projects consist of roughly 1,200 square feet of livable area, an estimated construction cost of $136,000 and an expected sale price of about $230,000; each property would be sold to a low-to-moderate-income household and held to affordable thresholds with liens for a minimum of 10 years.

A council member raised strong concerns that several advisory-committee members had purchased surplus properties through their companies and subsequently applied for CRA grants as individuals, creating the appearance of an "inside track." "Committee members should not be allowed to do something like that at all," the council member said, urging full transparency and a policy review.

Ellis responded that the program framework currently accepts applications from property owners, that the procurement department handled the surplus-lot selection and that committee members completing grant applications are required to declare conflicts on the record. He said staff would bring language back to the board to clarify eligibility criteria and limits for committee members who might own properties in the program area.

The CRE advisory committee had recommended approval of the DNS projects; the board approved the West Ocala grants by roll call (votes recorded in the transcript). The approvals include the Wilkerson fence replacement grant (maximum $3,285) and two DNS development houses that staff said will be deed-restricted and held affordable for at least 10 years.

Votes at a glance: 5a — Appointed Donald Gullin to the Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee (approved). 5b — Linda Wilkerson, fence replacement grant approved (maximum grant $3,285). 5c — DNS Development single-family house on surplus lot approved (construction cost $136,000; expected sale $230,000; deed restrictions/liens 10 years). 5d — Adjacent DNS project approved (similar terms).

Next steps: Staff will add the eligibility/conflict-of-interest question to an upcoming agenda for policy recommendation and may propose additional application restrictions or disclosure requirements to reduce perceived conflicts.