Redevelopment commission declares 2711 W. 37th Avenue "blighted" to enable possible TIF acquisition

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted March 16 to find that the parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, is blighted in an economic sense under section 19.5 of the RDC statute—a step staff said is required before undertaking appraisals and potential acquisition as part of a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.

An attorney present explained the statutory framework: the RDC may move to purchase properties if there is a willing seller and the commission first finds the property is blighted, unsafe, abandoned, foreclosed or structurally damaged under the statute's standard. Staff said the parcel—formerly a car wash and currently used for commercial vehicle storage—appears to be nonfunctional for its original purpose and that the owner has indicated willingness to sell.

Commissioners discussed next steps: obtain appraisals (the city is arranging them), and only after appraisals and a formal purchase agreement would staff return with closing details. The attorney and staff also outlined financing options tied to a TIF district: the TIF could borrow, or the city could provide funds to the RDC if it so chooses. Staff emphasized the parcel is intended to be part of a broader TIF strategy for a corridor improvement program, not an isolated purchase.

On a motion to declare the property blighted under section 19.5 to permit further appraisals and acquisition work, the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; staff said appraisals are in progress and a closing (for other Greenwood parcels) was scheduled elsewhere on the agenda.