ITN_GRM260683_Development__Affordable_Housing__NW_7th_Avenue_Subdivision__Section_2__Exhibit_B__West_Ocala_Vision__Community_Plan_2.pdf

EST OCALA

Vision & Community Plan

December 20, 20 I I

Created by @ e ,1111ler~dlrn

Table of Contents

Li Acknowledgements

[iJ West Ocala Community Plan: Introduction, Process & Participation l 4 History

[s Ocala 2035 Vision

~ West Ocala Community Vision & Master Plan Purpose & Principles

[w' Essentials of Community

[T,:1 Recommendations

~ West Ocala Community Plan Map

~ Neighborhoods District

["is Employment Center District

~ G Croskey Commons Main Street Mixed Use District

[ 11 Cotton Park Main Street Mixed Use District/ College Park Mixed Use District

[is1 North Gate Way Main Street Mixed Use District/ Pine Oak Square Main Street Mixed Use District l19 Pine Avenue Corridor Downtown District Reconnected

[w Gateways & Corridors

~ West Ocala Future Land Use Map l22 Glossary ofTerms

Acknowledgements

City Council

» Mayor Randy Ewers » Council President Janiel Owen

(District 5) » Councilwoman Suzy Hein bockel

(District 1) » Councilwoman Mary S. Rich (District 2) » Councilman John Priester (District 3) » Councilman Reuben Kent Guinn

(District 4)

West Ocala Steering Committee

» Narvella Haynes, Chair » Elton Bellamy » Ire Bethea » Susie Debose » Clara Eckles » Wanda Fulton » Jerome Johnson » Glenda Jones » Ruth Reed » Roosevelt Rimes, Jr.

» Mary Williams

Community Organizations

)> Barbara Washington Senior Activity Center » City of Ocala Enterprise Zone » Family Resource Center » Governor's West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization

Council » Howard Middle School Students » Ministerial Alliance » Ocala Housing Authority » Marion County NAACP » Neightborhood Citizens of Northwest Ocala » Phoenix Rising » Poinciana Heights Task Force » Buddy Martin Radio Show

City of Ocala Staff

)> Matt Brower, City Manager » John Zobler, Deputy City Manager » Tye Chighlzola, AICP. Growth Management Direc:or » Peter Lee, AICP. Chief Planning Official » Michael Daniels, AICP. Planning Manager » Lisa Walsh, AICP, Senior Planner/GIS Analyst » Dorothy LeBlanc, AICP. Neighborhood Planner » Diana McNamee. GISI Application Support Analyst » Rudy Charlot, GIS Technician )> Peggy Cash, Administrative Supervisor » Marc Mondell, Exective Director Municipal Services » Astrida Trupovnieks: Senior Manager, Redevelopment » James Haynes: Senior Manager, Reinvestment » Chip Rich: Manager, Code Compliance » Kathy Cri le: Recreation and Parks Director )> Ire Bethea: Recreation Division Head » Jennifer Blair: Special Services Division Head

Planning Consultants

VHB MillerSellen

Ray and Associates

Place Alliance

9 0 · 1

West Ocala Community Plan: Introduction Process & Participation

As a continuation of the Ocala 2035 Vision, the West Ocala

• Community Plan is the City's first specific planning area study. Ocala's 2035 v,sion Plan sees downtown Ocala as a vibrant regional center. The success of that vision Is Inextricably linked to the success and health of the West Ocala Community. To put this in context is to consider the relationship of the Community with the center of Ocala and some of the comm unity's history.

Physically, three existing and one proposed 1-75 interchange; provide access to four primary road corridors (SR 200, SR 40, US 27, and t-m 35th/ Pine Ave.) that run through the West Ocala Communir/ to the core of the City. These road corridors feed more traffic to the City's core than any of the other major corridors combined.

Economically, the community includes the city's largest industriaV distribution employment center and the planned Ocala Marion C"n11nty fnmmr>rrP Park (thP Mal)na r,rnjP<'t)

Visually and experientially, the story that most visitors and business oppottunlues will remember about the City of Ocala Is the experience being displayed along 1-75 and throughout the West Ocala Community.

To achieve Its v,s,on for a vibrant downtown the City must irake significa~t Investments to support the downtown core. These critical investments will need to include bus,ness access to regional. national and international markets and the economic health of immediately surrounding support coirmunities like West Ocala.

The West Ocala Community Study Area encompasses 6048 acres, 14,600 residents, tht> city's largest lndustrlal/distributlon employrient center, and the historic center of Ocala's African American cultural comm~nlty.

Area demographics, vacant land and building Inventory data suggest there are many opportunities f0< economic development, green field de~elopment, and community redevelopmenc. n,e data also suggests that there is great purpose In mak,ng the West Ocala Community the first planning area to build on the principles of the City's 2035 Vision.

Buildings

West Ocala Community Study Area: 2000 • 2010 Census Comparative Analysis

2000 2010 ha:" 2000 2010 Change Census Cff'IWS {fflSUS c.nw, ..

Tr-.ctU TrKt 15 Tract 16 Tract 16

Total Populftion 4,196 3Sl4 •1691 3,934 4J38 ""' A.wr•ve Household Sia 252 2"9 •I ii 2.20 2'19 13"

NumbtfofHousehold1 1,665 ,~20 ·1511 1,0'1 999 ·Sli

Owner Occuple-d Ko4.6ing Units 1,008 815 ·1891 421 383 ·9l6

Renter Occupied H,ousln9 Uniu 657 595 -991 626 616 •29i v.u,nt H ovJlng UR tu 228 366 6111 IOI 161 -Tot.ti Housfr19 Untt:J 1,893 1.7tl6 <>Ii 1,156 1,100 Oli

Medlin HouHholdl Income• 12M23 ms20 Ill~ 123,767

Housthold lncom.,.

l~S lh3n S25.000 873 662 398 m 'S25,000toS34.999 28$ 174 20'i ~

1)~000101"9.000 212 1:;s 16' ~ sso.ooo,oS74,m 213 193 181 161

17$,00010199,999 29 ti() 78 St

SIOOJX:J)or more •J 10 ti 77

Whh• 1,669 1.231 ·2611 2S95 2,798 "" Ahlc1n Amtrlc1n 2,-436 2,15$ ·12" 97) 1.osa 99i

Hlsp•nlc 89 1$5 l4'1b 387 819 11291

Allan 6 8 3311 67 99 -Other- 88 271

Community Study Area Demographics 2010 Total Population 14,601 persons

Average Household Size 2.5 1 persons

Number of Occupied Householcs 6,224 dwelling units

Owner Occupied 32%

Renter Occupied 50%

Vacant Housing Units 18%

2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change 2000 City 2010 I O,~ng· c. .... , Census ,. Census Census ,. Studr Sludy ,. City

Tr1ct 17 Tract 17 Tt1C1 18 TrlC111 .... .... - Wide

I I U98 4,979 1311 2.<)79 1,750 ·1691 14,607 14.601 ·0.04 1 45,943 56.315 2311

2.18 250 ·10'6 259 255 ·216 1.52 251 "' 2.29 231) 0.411

1.545 1,990 29'11 191 678 "" 51148 5,087 l'lb l 20,501 23,10) 1311

I 613 489 ·20'6 340 l7S ·19" 2,382 1,972 ·179• 1 10.673 11,6621 9li

932 1,501 611o 451 «)3 •1\W. 2,666 3.115 ""' I 7,971 11,441 4311

20) ""° 11"6 136 170 2Slo ~711 1,137 ee111 ,.ass l.661 97"

1,7"8 2,430 39" 927 848 -991 5,724 6,224 9'li 20,501 26,764 3111

I I

119.169 122,,<8,< $1V18 115,398 $22,6i.l 122,427 I IJC.888 136.812 199'

958 10.12 $55 384 2.78'1 2.S8S I 7,104 1.m

232 396 121 66 )47 711 I 2.™ 2.7951

162 199 100 -42 ~38 •st ~OS2 7,187 --I- - I-

131 186 ., 90 572 636 2,846 1,6'6

20 27 0 86 m )I, I 1,136 2J81

9 $6 , 0 ,., 143 1,250 39.822

I I 865 t,3'l8 62'0 11• 89 ·22'0 S,2-43 5S16 511 I 33,-474 39,822 199'

J.092 2.961 ~ 1,829 ,.eo5 1216 8.!30 7,77() '"' 10.174 1l,79S 16'1

"86 1,186 ,...,. 169 49 .71. 1,131 1.209 95'1b 2,636 6S86 l 50!1

46 83 - • 0 • IOO!i 123 190 5411 5$9 1,464 162"

419 II 795 I 8)1 1,655 999'

}010 "1<CmtCoookomMI. c:cm,,,, SUM'f{N:SI XX>IS·l009EJrlt'l'IOU!:S 11.()8/1 I

Community Study Area Data: 2011 Study Area Gross Acreage

6048 Acres

Vacant land Area

2163 Acres (36% of Gross Acreage)

Exist ng Single Family lots (less than five (5) Acres)

2351 Lots

Vacant Residential Parcels Oess than five (SJ Acres)

1180 lots (5096 of Existing Single Family lots Oess than five (SJ Acres)

West Ocala Community Plan: Introduction Process & Participation

In Implementing the City's goal for an extensive public outreach, the City's Growth Management Planning staff and its consultants VHB MillerSellen have engaged the local community, city departm-ents and interested parties in development of this community based plan. A steering committee of community residents has been critiquing.advising, guiding and working alongside the City's planning team to understand specific community concerns and aspirations as well as building community consensus for the West Ocala Community vision, master plan and recommendations. The steering committee and the planning team have conducted numerous community works hops, presentations to community organizations, and one on one discussion with residents.

As a result of the public outreach and community workshops, community residents partic,pated in identifying over 200 individual issues and concerns noted in these general categories

" Appearance ,. Economic/Jobs ,. Health & Wellness ,. Housing ,. Infrastructure - City Services ,. Recreation ,. Safety ,. Schools ,. Sense or Community ,. Transportation

STEP I Context Analysis. Comm.,n,Ly Input & Data Collecuon

STEERING STEERING

STEP 3 Recommended Plan Developmern.and R•?v1ew

TOWN HALL COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

STEERING

COMMITTEE

MEETINGS MEETING MEEllNGS MEETIHGS

~~11,10

COMMUNITT

ASSU1'5

M~ CD

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

MEETINGS

Some or the priority n-eeds expressed Included:

Communication with and throughout the community

Jobs, especially for teem & young adults

Magnet schools, l::alance with the needs of the children in the community

Redevelop MLK Park/Croskey Center 1nclud1ng more youth activities and a branch library

Medical services

Grocery store serving neighborhood and community

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

MEETINGS

The common purpose, for this planning study, ls to improve the co Ilea Ive futures for West Ocala's residents through devebpment and implementation of a sustainable,' living· and enduring Community Plan. To move? toward this goal, the Wes Ocala Community Plan includes recommendations to be implemented through:

Land use, Land use policy, Zoning

~ Form Based Codes, Design Overlay Districts, Community Redevelopmert Districts, etc

1/;11

STEERING

COMMITTEE

MEETINGS

BUDOY

MARTIN

RADIO SHOW

CITY COUNCIL

WORK SESSION

WlST OCAlA

SlEPS Final Plan Approval

CITY COUNCIL

AOOPTION HEARI NG

PUBLIC HEARING

The Intent or these actions Is to help facili1ate economic growth, community connecttvity, neighborhood improvements, placemaking, opportunities, and enhance community pride and communications.

History

The West Ocala Community's historic overview is included to give a brief introduction to the rich culture, places, and events that have helped shape West Ocala as a community and the City of Ocala as a whole. As part of this planning effort members of the community expressed their own experiences and history as reslden:s of West Ocala. They have helped shape the vision, plan and its recommendation~ However, it is clear that there is much more history available in the community than ha~ been expressed and reviewed for this plan. We encourage the Co"1munity to come together to record their stories and family histories, to gather photographs, articles, corduct a~d record oral interviews, etc.. This information. when gathered and preserved. can help bring generations together, can help understand the succes,es, failures and unintended outcomes of prior decisions and can shape the community for generations to come.

This Historic overview is predominately an executive summary edited verbatim from the History of West Ocala 8, Final Survey Report West Ocala, Florido. Performed for the City of Ocala Planning Deportment By Anderson Consulting, Savannah. Georgia June 200 I and rhe History of Ocala, City of Ocala~ website httpJ/ocolofl.org. We en courage the reader to go to these sources to read the full documents. The Final Survey Report was produced in conjunction of the adoption of the West Ocala Historic District which is a small portion of the West Ocala Community Plan Study Area.

Minor edit5 hDve been mode for continuity ond the focu3 ho, been ploced on the time line and places. The inforriatlon up to the I940's is from the survey report anc the subsequent Information Is from additional research and observauons conducted as part of this planning process.

Historic O vervlew

When t~e United States acquired Florida in 1821, the population cf what would become Marion County consisted largely of Native Americans and African Americans.

Settlemems of white European Americans did not occur until after an 1823 treaty was passed that restricted Native Americans to the south<'rn portion of Florida.

Marion County was estab ished In 1844 , , Florida achieved statehocd in l845. The first Steamboats on theOchlawaha ra2os -l880s' plat of Ocala was created In March of 1846 The City originally consisted of 80 blocks situated around a public square. lhe square was to become the County Courthouse and a center of activity for Marion County.

The economy of antebellum M,nion County was largely agricultural based, w ith several large plantations producing corn, sugar cane, cotton and tobacco. The labor force was predominately African American slave labor. The census of 1860 indicates that African Americans accounted for 62% of the population of Marion County.

During the Civil War, Marion County served as a production center providing food, Courthouse on the Square• clothing and arms to the Confederate Army.

After the war ended in 1865, African Americans continued to live In Marlon County as free persons. The Freedman's Bureau was created in 1865 to assist the former slave population. Among its actions, The Bureau promoted education and opened 87 schools across Florida. James H. Howard, a former slave owner, donated a parcel of land on the ccrner of Osceola and 3rd Streets for the first African American school in Ocala, Howard Academy.

In 1868, M.A. Clouts, an African American, was appointed ~herift in Marion (.ounty and by 1he end of the Reconstruction period In 1879, Marion County had sent seven black representatives to the Florida House, One distinguished representative, Tom Long, introduced a blll establishing free public schools In Florida.

Steamboats were first Introduced Rai!roa,js Support New Eccnomys 1880's • I900's' in Florida In the 1820s and by the

1870s they were the main mode of transportation. The maprIty of steamboat pilots at that time on the Ocklawaha River were African Americans. By 1870, the African American population had grown to 73% of Marion County's total population.

The cI·.rus Industry boomed In Marion County between 1870 and the Great Freeze of 1895 as did railroad expansion, which brought new population and development.

Ocala was beginning tc expand outside of its original city Imits.

A fire m Downtown Ocala In 1883 destroyed most of the major buildings. Many of Ihose buildings had been reconstructed In brick., granite, and meIal by 1887 Consequently Ocala became known as "The Brick City.'

Baseball was played in any open space available. Pickup games between church and social groups led to the formation of the Florida State League in 1892, one of the ear iest leagues of its kind in the South.

The majority of African American residents began to settle west of the downtown core. Ocala's main east-w-est thoroughfare, Broadway (now Silver Springs Boulevard), was the commercial heart of downtown. The street was home to many of Ocala's most prosperous African American businessmen and leaders. The area was well known as West End Ocala by the 1890s.

West Ocala grew north ard south out from West Broadway. The majority of Ocala's African Americans residents lived, attendee school, worshipped, and worked in this area.

Additiorally, many of the businesses in this area were owned and operated by African Americans.

In 1881, F.P. Gadsden organized the Ocala Bazaar, which was located on South Magnolia Street near the courthouse. The Ocala Bazaar became the la•gest store of its kind in Ocala. In 1888, Gadsden was elected City Treasurer and Tax Collector and later servec on the City Council.

In 1891, the Metropolitan Realty and Investment Company was orqanized. It was the first African-American corporation to be granted a charter by the <itate ofrlorida.

In 1893,the Emerson Memorial Home and School described as an "lrdustrial School for Colored Girls'was located at the corner of Madison (now NW4th Street) and 23rd Street (now NW 12th Avenue). By 1927, It was called the Baptist Theological Seminary.

In January of 1889, Florida's International and Seml-rropical Exposition was held In Ocala The Exhibition Hall was located on 40 acres along West Broadway, between 22nd and 24th Avenues. The Hall housed horticultural and agricultural products, natural curiosities, and products from ever)' industry with the grounds being described as "havirg a panorama of tropical plants, rlowers, rustic arbors, rockeries, fountains, and a dance floor was said to be the larges;

in the South~

Meuopohtan Bank Founders"

West Ocala Tropical Exh,blt10n•

Promotional literature touted West Ocala as similar to 'New York's Harlem •.. the comirg popular city dimict for fashionable residence.· It described the area as having electric lights, city water and fire protection, and a street railway.

When the Exposition Hall opened in 1889, (uban workers from Tampa were employed to demonstrate cigar making.

Short I y after, several cigar factories were West Broadway Ocala' constructed just west rJ the Exposition building. This area was originally called 'Havanatown." The cigar village was bordered by N.W. 4th Street, Martin Luther King Blvd., S,W. 24th Avenue and S.W, 7th Place. The area was later named "Marti City'after a visit there by Cuban Patriot Jose Mart,.

The failure of the citrus crop form the Great Freeze of 1895 threw Marlon County rnto a depre;sion. By 1909, Marti City was abardoned by workers who moved to Tampa and Miami to find work.

Afrer the failure of the citrus crop, the area's agricultural industry began co diversify. To boost the growing agricultural prospects of livestock, cotton, tobacco, and vegetables, the Marlon County Fair was est.)bllshed at the western edge of Ocala. The fa,rgrounds included a racetrack, exhibition buildings, and livestock sheds. The fair also attracted national figures including SookerT. Was~ington. Industries such as naval stores, turpentine, and lumber were growing. In 1912, the HA Fausett Planing Mrli was situated at the corner of Broadway and 22nd Street (now NW I Hh Avenue).

By 1914, black residents were said to be some of the most prosperous in the South.

African American ousinesses lined West Broadway from Magnolia to 16th Awnue. The Ocala Bazaar was thriving down town as was a new black-owned hotel. The Metropolitan Savings Bank was organized and was located In Ocala's central business district. Its president was West Ocala resident, FP. Gadsden. It was the first African-American bank incorporated in the State of Florida Gibbs Crompton also began Crompton's Dry Goods Store located on West 6roadway.

Many of the houses alo1g West Broadway-and the adjoining side streets were very large two-story residences.

I loward Academy continued to educate many of Florida's future leaders indudlng Efhe Carrie Mitchell, who was the first African-American woman 10 practice med,c1ne in Florida.

By 1928,Ocala had 11 African American churches, the largest being Mt. Zion and Mt.Moriah.

The 1920s saw a rise In the number of African Americans entering professional fields.

Howard Academy had been the training ground for many future doctors, businessmen and political leaders. In 1925, Dr. RS. Hughes opened the American National Thrift Association Hospital, which was the only facility to treat African Americans for hundreds of miles. It was located on West Broadway and Pine Street. Other notables included Dr.

Nathaniel Hawthorne Jones and Dr. E.E. Larnb, and Mrs. Mattie J. Shaw who started The Florida Watchman newspaper.

Black-run businesses extended west from Magnolia Street to 16th Avenue.'

John Jacob Gerig, the owner of a local drug store pushed for a modern place to play baseball and attract professional teams to the city. A few months before he was elected mayor in 1929, the local cnamber of commerce had solid plans to move forward with a baseball park on the county fairgrounds. Soon, the Great Depression hit Ocala, and by 1932 the city's central location, which had established it as a railroad hub, made It a magnet for the unemplO)'ed and desperate. The county fair£rounds would become a transien: camp.'

The onslauoht of the Great Depression resulted In a severe decline In property values, local governments went bankrupt, and unemployment skyrocketed. African American owned businesses In Ocala also ~urfered. By l 930, the African American population accounted for only 49% of the population. The New Deal of the Roosevelt Administration began in 1933 to provide additional welfare relief. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was begun to provide work for the labor force. In 1936, only 500 African Americans were registered to vote due in large p.irt to the poll ta~ and continued Jim Crow laws.

In 1936 Howard Academy was rebuilt with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds.

WPA prcjects provided employment and civic Improvement; to Ocala. Streets were widened and sewer lines ·.-;ere extended.' n 1936, the Work5 Progress Administration funded the Ocala baseball proiect. Officials chose a poruon of the fair grouncb, still a 1ransient camp, for the sit":?. In 1939, Gerig baseball field and 5oftball park (now MLK Park) complete with a concrete grandstand, dugout~ clubhouses and fences, was finished and the Milwaukee Brewers were on their way.'

In 1943 iheAfrican-Amerlcan hospital on West Broadway was closed after the death of Dr. Hughes. Blacks could be treated at the main hospital In town but were segregated until the 1960..'

Howard Academy'

In the 1950's upgrading highway systems was a priority for President Eisenhower.

The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 allowed the use of federal funds in acquiring right-of-ways for projects. As a result West Broadway (SR 40) and Pine Street (US 441/ Pine Avenue) were widened Into faster thoroughfares bisecting the commun,ty and the downtown. This drastically altered the character of the area and resulted in the loss or this historic streetscapeand the majority of its historic buildings.'

Development in Ocala followed the general trends of construction that occurred throughout the north central area of Florida. The 19405 witnessed a rebirth of development and investment in Florida with new residences and new businesses catering to the new World War II-era military population.

After 1950, the widespread use of the automobile was reftected in suburbanizing Ocala's historically urban downtown and the proliferation of automobile centric stnp comrrercial development along the city'; primary road corridors.

In 1963, lnterstate-75 was under construction from Wildwood to Lake City and in 1969 was completed across the state according to its orlgl nal plan. The completion of Interstate 75 at theed ge of West Ocala added to the erosion or the central business districts and the West Ocala Community.'

Throuqh the 19605, Red Sox farm teams would hold spnng training at Gerig Field.

Baseball legends Ted Wllllam5 ond Carl Yastrzemski played spring ball In west Ocala. 1972 marked theend of spring training In Ocala.'

School desegregation, had been mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court In 1955. When the Supreme Court issued a second and stronge, school desegregation ruling in 1969, Howard High School was closed.

Black students then went first to Ocala High and later to tre new Forest High and Vanguard High. One of the unintended consequences of school desegregatt0n in ~he West Ocala Community's has been that the children have become less connected to the comrrunlty

West Ocala and Magnolia from the Squa,e•

North M.gnolla Street•

North Magnolia Street'

North Mi!()nolla t 960's Auto Domina red'

Through the 1970's older housing in the historic eastern neighborhoods of the community such as Tucker Heights experienced an accelerated decline in part due to the westward and northern expansion of newer housing in West Ocala

• closing of neighborhooc centers, and ongoing road widening.

Like much of Florida, Marion County and Ocala has conrin ued 10 emphasize the speed and accessibility of the road network.

Expansions to SR 40, US 27, SR 200, NW 27th Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Pine Avenue/ US 441 have created additional automobile capacity yet have also increased the separation and erosion of neighborhoods and neighborhood businesses. At the same time they have heloed suooort Ocala's al.tomobile centric strip conmercial development panerns.

The History of West Ocala Is an account of vision, perseverance, revival and opportunity. It has been expressed throug~ its citizens, Its sense of community and It's landmarks. Many of It's citizens wer~ it's champions for new ideals. People like:

Dr. R.H. Hughes, 1882-1943, physician and founder of the only black hospital In Ocala/ Marlon County.

William H. Jackson, founding president of Hampton Junior College, 1958-1966.

After integration, Hampton Junior College merged with Central Florida Community College at the Hampton Center.

Dr. Lee Foyal Hampton, the first black dentist 1n Manon County, practiced from 1913-1935. The Hampton Center is named in his honor.

Dr. Effie Carrie Hampton was the first I icensed female physician In Florida and one of the founders of the Flonda Medical, Pine Street 1900'

Pine Street Ocala 1950'

Pine Street Ocala 1952'

Pme Street Ocala 2011 •

Dental and Pharmaceutical Association .. She was licensed from 1906 to 1935.

DeliaJ. Brown, 1881-1982, was Florida's fi·st black female mortician.

Dr. Na:hanlel Hawthorne Jones opened his practice in Ocala In 1926 and was the first black doctor to become a staff physician at Munroe Memorial Hospital. Dr. NH. Jones Elementary School is named in his honor.

Pinkney Woodbury, A local activist and historian, Woodbury also co-authored the book 'The Struggle for Survival: A Partial History of the Negroes of Marion County, 1865 to 1976.'

James C. Cunningham, Elected to City Council in 1975, was the first African American to win a City Council election in 86 years and the second African American councilman since Harry W. Chandler.

E.D. Croskey, the first African American to run the City of O:ala Recreational Parks Department.

Rev. Frank Pinkston, was a leadir11g voice for civil rights activists in Marion County,'

The History of West Ocala has also been expressed through its landmarks and places.

Martir Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex is a living example of the community's ,.ision, perseverance and revival. By the early 1990s, despite a community effort to save the Gerig Fields historic stn..ctures, the concrete was crumbling and the structures had become havens for the homeless, drug users, and violent crime, and there was no money to Invest In a restoration effort Havvever that facility was transformed into the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, including playing fields and The E..D. Croskey Recreation Center, and the College of Central Florida's Hampton Center. Today it is a hub of activity for West Ocala.

West Ocala's history continues to be written with community programs and new landmarks, emerging opportunities and community champions. This history has its roots In the foundation of its •lch culture and heritage and is an unfolding of this community's vision for being a dynanlc, diverse, friendly, safe and connected community with vibrant residential, business, governmental, cultLral, educauonal and entertainment centers.

Bibliography Fino/ Su1"'y Ref)Olr We ,r Ocola.Flonda P1do1med lo, rheC,ry of Ocola Pfonnmg D<1,a11mcnr ByAndt!,icnComu/1,ng.

Savannah, Geo,g,a June 2001.

' 1ne Ozyof Ocala~ web or,. hirp://www.oa,la0.org 1 HlsroryofG,•rlf) FieldWhmb»<-ballwos lmqm Ocala, Ca1los E Medina. Correspondent P\JIJl,shed ThurSl/oy, July 8, }Oro h1tp:/t.vww.ocalacomla1rrclcl}OIOOl()8!a1I1Clesl/0(}109161

• Soo,ceol Pho109rop/-,;:h11p/Nvww.lloridamemory.com, Dtpa11ment Q/ ;,a,eo, the State Library and Alchives Q/ Florida, Flo1klc MoIog1aphic Col1«11on. F/o1irfo Memory Proj«:1

' Sou1ceol Pho(ogrop/-,; Vl-l8M1/ler Sellen

• S&.irce of PIIO/ogwphy ~ri<; htld 8y Ca1/os E Med,no. Pouco,d from 1/Je col/fcronol Marl ilammer.

Sourceol Pho(ogrop/-,;:CllyQ/Ocala, FOOT

• Sourceof Phoiography: Nav,//a ilaynes

Ocala 2035 Vision

OCALA 2035 VISION

Vision Principles:

'Ocala is. :

. . a community of natural and man-made beauty

... a community of neighborhoods

. . a vibrant hub of residential, retail, office, g()llernmental, cultural, and entertainment activity

.. the County Seat, a vitally active center ror regional employment In Marion County

•.. a city with viable mobility options for all citizens and visitors

II

_ c...,... _ _.._._._...., ..... ..... __ ...

.•. welcoming residents and visitors through anractive gateways :hat Invite people to experience our dyna 'Tlic and friendly community

OCALA 20.,5 VISIO'.\J

How does the West Ocala Community fit into the Ocala 2035 Vision ?

9 0 · 8

West Ocala Community Vision & Master Plan Purpose & Priciples

Purpose for the West Ocala Community Plan

» To Establish Priorities for Future Decisions

• To describe what the Community wants to look like in the future

• To build community consensus and support for improving tile collective futures of West Ocala's residents through formulation of a sustainable, ·1iving" and enduring Community Plan

• To reconnect people, neighborhoods and community

• To encourage good choices that will shape our community from generation to generation!

West Ocala Community Area Plan Desired Outcomes

• Ongoing community engagement and participation

• Recomrrended actions to promote connectivity be(ween neighborhoods, the West Ocala Community, and the City

• Recomrrended actions for development and redevelopment

» A living, enduring, and nexible plan

• A Future Land Use Map ard Land use policies based on the West Ocala Plan included in the City's 2035 Comprehensive Plan

• Designation of a Community Redevelopment Area CRA with n West Ocala to focus on physical improvements and economic sustainability

The West Ocala Community 2035 Vision Principles

• A diverse, dynamic, friendly and safe community

• A community of walkable and connected neighborhoods

• A vibrant community of residential, retail, business, governmental, cultura I, educational anc entertainment activity centers

• A community with a variety mobility options for all citizens and visitors

• A community with auract1ve gateways and tree lined streets

• A community of connected parks and neighborhoods

• A healthy, diverse anc caring community of neighbors a~d neighborhoods who watch for and care for one another from infant to aged, generation co generation

OCAI.A 20Yi V ISION

Intent A Giea1 commum1y Is built on a foundat10n cf relationships and ch01ces that con1nbute 10 the well being oft he commumiy from gene@tion 10 generation. The mo11 1mporiant relat~nsh1p1 are people carng fllf pe:iple and people canng for the places in which :hey live, Wllfk, leam, play and grow. Th11diagram and photographs suggest the interdependency of the essenUal elemen~ needed to mal:e a community IUSl.iinablt ard endunn!J They are intended to pro~de a reminder and relerfflCe m eva uatmg ongOing choices Jnd deus,ons 1mplemen11ng Ifie community's ~~on for 1mproong 1he cdlec1"' futuresofWest Ocala's residents and 1he City ol Ocala.

Conlider 1hevar~uspansand how each relates 10 all 1he ochen on 1hediagram fOf example PL!ce and Pathways are typ,c~lly assooa1ed wi1h ph)'S1cal fea1ure essent~ls of a community but lhey a1e al~ relaied 10 the health & wellness of a comm1111ty.

Health & wellness a·e al~ rela1ed to 1he PrQ1,1gon and ProtecllOn essen11a Is when conliderng dec1110ns fllf med(al and emergency seMCe I v.11hln the commun,1y.

This diagram was developed for Wes I Ocala from the com men I~ concerns and suggestions of Wes! Ocala's re11dents and com munlty leaden who pa,tK ~1ed m 1he many publlcWOfkshopsand steering committee mee1ngs. lhe Wes1 Ocala Cllfnmumiy lie thisesseniialsdiagram has many parts, ideas and relation sh ps 1hat will 1ake consil1en1 part1Cipa11on, communication, comm11men1, leader1t110 and champions 10 re-connect and t@nsform ii into a great and end11ing comm 1.11r1y.

The whole community should becllfne greater than the sum of lis parts.

Essentials of Community

Recommendations

Participation - Communication - Leadership - commitment t . Connect all community support organizations, associations, churches etc. to support positive growth and change to make the West Ocala Community a healthy, diverse and caring community of neighbors and neighborhoods who watch for and care for one another from infant to aged, generation to generation.

2. Support community wide communications, public participation and civic engagement programs

3. Identify, organize and empowe• community and neighborhood "Champions· as a Steering Commiuee committed to communication, building trust, increasing awareness, promoting community wide participation and involvement shaping positive community change.

4. Continue The West Ocala Community Plan Steering Committee role as champions and community builders in the West Ocala Commun ty Redevelopment Area (CRA} planning process and as community liaiso~s to the School Board, the City's Advisory Boards, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Ccuncil meetings and special workshops. Organize, capture and celebrate the verbal and written history of the West Ocala area.

5. Develop an expanded heritage center /cultural r1useum.

Provision - Jobs - Industry - Business - Education - Health Care

6. Provide development incentives to promote business/economic development within the West

Ocala Area in return for preferred hiring and job training of West Ccala Community residents or other economic benefits to the community.

7 Enhance livability and attractiveness of West Ocala by encouraging development, additional walk able high quality school(s) and achieving a high percentage of neighborhood children attending neighborhood schools.

8. Maximize the City's Investment; In the Magna site byencouragin~ a mix or uses including Class A Office, business and clean Industry within the project. To ensure that existing and future residential development adjacent to the site will not be adversely impacted from the proposed development of the Magna proJect, significant buffers shall be provided along the boundaries of the project.

9. Review and amend ordinances to promote care ior children and aged within the community.

1 o. Review and amend ordinances to promote development of local business. social places that promo:e safe and healthy community.

11. Promote development cf a Marlon County branch library within the community.

12. Provide higher residential densities near mixed use centers and "Employment Centers"to provide a close linkage between jobs, job uainlng and housing

13. Develop a phased progr.:lm for undergroundlng existing and futu1c utilities to remove visual clutter and reduce poweI service Interruptions to homes and businesses resulting from storm damage.

14. Improve access to banking and financia I services

Places - Mixed Use

15. Incorporate into Comprehensive Plan policy the ln:ent statements described in the West Ocala

Plan:

"Croskey Commons' Main Street Mixed Use District "North Gate Wa~·· Main Street Mixed Use District "Pine Oak Square· Main Street Mixed Use District "Cotton Park Crossing· Main Stree: Mixed Use District "College Park" Mixed Use District Neighborhoods District Employment Center District Gateways & Corridors Pine Avenue Corridor Downtown Reconnected

16. Promote re-connection of West Ocala and downtown Ocala within a highly walkable and connected urban core. Pine Avenue (US 441) between 17th Street and NE 2nd Avenue is encouraged to be road dieted to provide for a variety of modes of transportation including walking, bieycles, motor vehicle, and bus transit. It is intended to provide safe and comfortable pedestrian sidewalks and crossings with pedestrian refuges. Streets, 1=edestnan ways, blkeways, open space and transit networks should re-connect this district to surrounding neighborhoods and open spaces The private development, on US 44 I shall meet the urban development standards of the downtown area.

17. Encourage development of compact mixed use districts at various ard appropriate scales to iupport walkable nelghborhood5 and necdi within the West Ocala Community.

18. Redevelop the Croskey/MLK complex into theWestOcala Community's primary mixed use district

• Croskey Commons~ Include civic. culture/arts, recreation, learning, and community events along with business and retail uses organized around a'ma1n st1eet"deslgn pallern including:

MLK Park Recreation fields and child play areas Hampton Center Croskey Center redevelopment multl·use facility; conference center; banquet hall;c assrooms;

more activities & games entertainment for youth &young adults, swimming pool Improvements Branch library Senior Activity Center

19. Promote master planned development of the area surrounding the P ne Oaks Coumry Club Golf Course with a variety of housing. two mixed use districts with, rail transit access, and a major road linking NW 21th St. from the Magna development east to Pine Street at NE 20th St.

20. lncentivize infill development and redevelopment to reduce vacant lot inventory and promote building improvements as a cataly;t for posItIve change In West Ocala's neighborhood;. Respect and renect the best of West Ocala architectural history without restricting Innovative expression of those styles, good architecture and energy efficient green building solutions

21. Encourage compact, mixed use development with densities and intensities that support a variety of housing. employment, retail, medical and recreational choices.

Recommendations

Places - Housing Choices

22. Promote infill development with a variety of attached and detached housing types.

23. Provide development incentives for builders who are able to bring a variety of housing types, choices. pricing along with a preferred hiMg of West Ocala community residents for infill development and redevelopment in the community.

24. Provide medium and high density residential near business and industry <:lusters to provide a close inkage between home and employment

Places - Housing Redevelopment

25. Promote redevelopment of West Ocala's housing projects into afordable mixed housing neighborhoods

26. lncen:iv1ze redeveloprrent of vacant and abandoned housing units

Places & Pathways - Corridors & Adaptive reuse concepts

27. Adopt Overlay Design Standards and guidelines that promote ard incentivize adaptive reuse of properties along SR 40, US 27, MLK Blvd. and 27th Ave.

28. Do not promote strip rnmmercial uses along SR 40, US 27, MLK Blvd. and 27th Ave.

Places & Pathways - Complete Streets

29. Provide traffic calming elements such as traffic circles and Intersection Improvements along

Old Blitchton Road between US 27 and Martin Luther King Avenue and on Martin Luther King Avenue between SR 40 and US27 to discourage through traffic, znd increase safety for the residents.

30. Promote a high quality and des11able public realm through the connectivity of safe and accessible streets, mult modal pathways. and trails

31. Promote Joint use Corridors: Rail (transit & freight), Street & Bikeway

32. Include proposed connector roadways and Intent in Comprehensive Plan Policies:

NE 21 st Street extension to US 44 I Nonheast MLK connector to US 441 NW 35th Avenue from Magna to SW 7th Street North South roadway on the north side of SW 20th Street North South roadway on the south side of SW 17th Street extension

Places & Pathways - Mobility & Transit

33. Promote a high quality and desirable public realm through the connectivity of safe and accessible streets. multi -modal pathways, and trails.

34. Improve pedestrian comfort and safety adding sidewalks and street trees along all streets throughout the West Ocala Community.

35. Develop multi modal corridors along existing rail to increase transit and community accessibility, include rail, local streets, trials and bikeways.

36. Expand and re--route bus transit service to make system accessible/walkable for residents throughout the community.

37. Create a rail transit and service loop connecting the proposed Magna development with existing spur sou:h of US 27. Promote transit connecting housing and workplaces. Promote transit connections to downtown and Medical Dlstr ct

Places & Pathways - Community & Neighborhood Parks

38. Create a variety of safe and accessible public parks, squares and greens throughout the community as focal points for neighborhood and community activities and events. Creating a connected network of parks sidewalks and trails.

39. Promote recreational, social gathe1ing, community celebration and community gardening activities within this network of parks.

4U. Incorporate city drainage retention areas into this parks network

41. Develop a community based program for maintenance of vacant lots or lands within area neighborhoods to Improve public safety, health anc community appearance. Where possible, acquiring or leasing vacant lands for redevelopment or transforming them Into community spaces and gardens.

Places & Pathways - Gateways

42. 1-75 Interchanges shall be improved to create attraclve•gateways•welcomlng residents and visitors into the community.

43. Create a c1tygatewaynear1he Intersection ofSR40and 27th Ave. as

44. Redevelopment of the Intersection of SR 40 and ML< Avenue Ave. as a city gateway

45. Redevelopment of the intersection of Pine Avenue and SR 200 Ave. as a city gateway

46. Redevelopment or the intersection or US 27 and 27th Ave. as a city gateway

C ta -0.

+"' ·-c :s E E 0 u ta -

The intent oflhe Neghbomood land U\e category in We$! Ocala iS 10 p1omo1e a walkaole 11b,m fom expressed as ldentifia ble ,mntial neighbomoodl where the predomiranl land use is residellliil and the primary modes o( tr.nsportal!Orl incl lXle wal~ng. bicydes, automobiles, and bus uan1it 81Jldings a,e generally low and mid nse in cha1ac1e1. HoU11ng type1 associated w,m 1h1s category are predominatfly small lot s,ngle fa mil/ detached homes, att.iched homes hke row houses or townhomes and garden style mul1dam1ly bullings. The history, character, and conner.ivlty of exiSling neighborhood\ should be considered in new developmelll and 1edevelotimen1 proposals. New developmen I and 1edmfopmem mai allow for highi!f densi11es on exisnng small lo1S 10 c1ea1e a mix and dwer111y or housing 1ypes.

A variety of ho1111ng lypes are encou,aged to provide quahly mulll generational housini choi:es within the nei~hborhoods. Buildings arid por~ a,e biought closer to 1he street 10 create a RlOl'e urban sen mg and allow ro, increased development po1en1iaf on lolS w11h shallow dep1t The IOOll 11,~1 network is typ(ally a highly conn«led gnd w11h shori blcck lengths thal encour.ge walking. The ~reel and block pattellll are ger111ally more rectilinear and ~m1la110 the paltellll associated with We$! (k.Jla's Histonc D~tr\ct Sueets should include curb and gunei sidewalks on toth s,des, s1rtt11rees, stade landscaprn9, and low level street ligh11nc,. P,rks and open spam ranging in s,ze from neighborhood parks 10 community or~nted ac1~11y l>a1ed parks should be provided througholJ the Neighborhood land U\e meQ()(Y ar?a~ Both l'llbli< and private stormwatermanagernent fadhoes :should be cesignedasrecreabonal amenitJeSand included ir parks and open ll)a<es. Public parks or open spaces should be located within walbng o~tance of !he majority of housing units v.,1hin neighborhoods.

Part\ open spaces and collec1or streets shoo d form a coonected network or sidewalks and mul11-ust palhl/Uails.

Other neighborhooc su ppor1ing secondary uses may be perminl'd blJ should be hm1tl'<l in number, and subiec11ocompa1 bihty re~ew for a1chnec1u1al cha1ac1e~ building sale and imens,tv These seconda,v uses may indllde;

pubhc, offire, and health ca,e, education/rec,eatlon/social, ser~re and ieLlll uses Ne,ghbomood suppomng secondary ll!tl are typically located In 1tand-aloneco~1 bull <ing1 localed at lhe l~tmection oflwo colleclOr strel'l1 lhe main en:ranceand bu1ld1ng fa(ade sho~d froot 1he suee1 Parting ~11 be l1mil!d and located on ihe s1iee1 and In the rear ohhe building 1<reened from 111rroundmg residential uses. These uses 1howd not be located mid block and not allowed In a99,ega1e 10 form linear cx s1np com~ttlal/ret.ill dmlopment pa11ern1 To not oveiwhelm ani one 11ree, comei bu~nesses sJ-ould be d11persed w,1h a m~11ple block sepai a1~n They should be acmslble by Sidewalk~ blkewaysand public 1rans11

Neighborhoods District

The intent oft he (ffl)IO'!ment Center land use Is 10 promote a regiooally-lmport.ml and viblanl hub for busi n~ enterplise. research and develolJ!lenl and em ploymen1 ac1r1i1les l1 has a si)nlficart con1nb111 ion 10 !he identity and branding ofThe City of Ocala .ind 11of sp,.>clal mportanceto 1lle(tl<lhty of hfe in West Ocala Tht!refore clevelopmen1 and redevelopmenl should promote excellence m lhe design and consuuclion of building~ envirormenral systems, 0111door spKes, iransponaoon facll11e~ wayfind1 ng and ~reeoopes; and shall supp«t and pro1ec1 lhe v11al11y and quality of life in .idJaC inl properties and ne;ghbomoods. Access is pnmanly from major collectO!I, aneria~ or limited-access highway~ The prim.iry modesoftran5l)Orlatioo include, automobles, trucks, fre1Qh1 rail, bus, and commuter rail 1ransk provisions should be made for walbng. btc)'(les anl inner Oly rail transit As !he m 0,1 intense non-tesiclent~I developmem within the Oiy the Empl(l'/ment Cemei land •Jse category ~ generally cha1ac1en1ed by low ah:! mid rise buld1ngs on horizontally mixed use ~les where building form 11 empoosized more than use. Uses typically ilduded in this district are public. office, bu~ness. wholesale, industrial prof~nal service and re1al.

Employment Center District

The Croskey Commons Main Street m,xeci use distrtct is generally lx.ited ~thin the center of West Ocala's tr.aditional and histOfkal neighborhooosand community a½ets. tis nearthe illll!fll(1l00 of W Silver Spt'ings Bo Jlevard ISIHO) and Man,n Luther Kl ng Jr Boule<Jard (NW 24th St).

The intent ofth~d,strkt ii to promoteacOfOpact andwalkable11oanf0fm thatserwsasa fool gathering place fOf rec"ation, ci~~ social and cultural acuvitoes ~thin the West Ocala Community Croskey Park, The Hampton Center, a library /Ind Recreation Center and a community gardens and farmer's market should become key COfOponents of this district Perm 11N1 use1 include Residenual, Office. Comme~ial, Publl(, Recrea1ionand Oi,en Sp,ice, and lnsbtutrcnal.

~lopment and redewdopment is ,mended to take on the formofl w.alkable mart street with on street p,irl:ing anl With access to multi-modal transpona1l00, fnclt<l,n~b.:ydesand tran~t Th~ distnct iHharactttiied buildings that are •lite (I) to four(4) stonesmhelg tandmayconta1n more than one use. The emphasis ~II be on buld ng form and onentatioo to the street and publie space~ rather than type of LIie.

811ldings are located close to the stree~ and Jre not separated from sidewalks by surface parlc,ng lot~ \\\de 11dewalks, pl<JZa~ and <NK arm a,e pro~ded to encouraie pedestnan and community acti1oties and events. Shade for pedestnans sliould be pr~iled througt landscapng and/or bu ld,ng dcsi9n component~ such as bolconio, arcoo :i, awnings, and canoJ)el.

Parl.ong occ11son-wee1. behind buildings om thin structl.fed p,11klng lots. Fiont surface0t side surf.ice p,irklng may be penmtted on a me-by-call' oasis.

Croskey Commons Main Street Mixed Use District

The Cotton P<11k uo11in9 Mam Street m1x,>d use di1tr<:t ~ located at the mtme(!Jon SW 1011 Street and SW 27th Ave.

The 11tent of this d~Uict 11 to promote a compact and walkable urban foon that serm as a neighborhood ~tht?ring place for ci'lic, 10<1,ll, and commerrnl 3<1Mties p-omobng redevelcpment and new development 1Upponrng IUITOU ndmg reroen11al and emplO)ment ce11111 uses in the southeast quadrant ol the West Ocala Cornmun,ty.

Perm 1tted use\ 1nclu:le resldentral office.

commercl,ll, publl(. recreation and open ipace.

institutional. Ent.inced pedestrian cros~rg on SW 27th Ave. impro'l'd connec1ion1 to 1Urrou,ding 111e1 and street~ and redevelopment of the SW mh street west of SY/ 27th A'IUS the "Mam Slreet· are 1mpo nant features of this district.

De<,elopment and reiJevelopment ~ rntended to tal:e oo the form of.a walkable main streE'1 with on sti:eet par.ins and with a«ess to multi-modal transporta1ion, 1ncludm~b1Cycles and tra n_s11 Th~ distri::rn charactenled build1n91 thaure one { 1) to folX (4) 1tooe;in heig tand mayconllm more than one use. Th~ em~ will be on lxalding form and orientaton to the street and publN: sp.ices, rather than type of use. To provide for the 1ran~11on from th~ district to an adiacerit Neighborhood or Corridor CNt>rlay d11tr1Ct development v.,11 be IUbJe(t to review for arch1te-ctural chara(lei-, bullcng sc.ile and inten~ty so is to be compatible with and 1Uppor1r,e to the adjacent distnct.

Burl~1n91 are 1omoo cloie 10 the street. and are not lf!)drated ficm lidewalk1 by surface parting loll. Wide s~ewalks, plam, and cMc are lS are prOYided to encourage p(lle1111an and community activities and rnnts. Shade for pedestr~ns should be pro~ded through Llndscaplng and/or bulking design componmts, such as balconies. ariade~ awnlll(Js, and c,nople~

Cotton Park Crossing Main Street Mixed Use District

Intent The CollegePar'<m~ed used~tri<ti1looted at the mtersectioo SW 27th Ave. and SR 200. The ~tent of this district is 10 promote a compact and walkable urban form that serves as a neighbcrhood gathenng place for d~c, social and commerci ii ac11~11es suppor11ng the(oll~e ol Central Florida and 1Urround1n•J residenual areas. Perm~ted uses Include residential office, commercial, pub I(, recreation and open spa<e, mstitutronal. Crea ti in of a gateway feature on SR 200 and 27th Ave., enhanced pedestrian cros~ng oo SW 27th Ave. 1mp10ved connecirons to sunounding uses and sueett and 10 the College are important featuresol th~drstnct.

Th~ d~trict is characterized by builcngs that are one {1) 10 four ( 4) stories il height and m.iy contain mere than one use. The empha111 will be on building form, as well onentatlon to the sueetand publK spaces, rather thar type of use.

To prOYide for the uans,1ion from th s diSUiCI 10 an ad,acent Neighborhood or Cornd or Overlay dis tr Kl a development will be subjeCI 10 re~ew for architectural character, building scale and intensity soas to be…