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Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted, authorizes appraisals as part of TIF strategy
Summary
The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously to declare 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted under Indiana Code 36-7-14-19.5, directing staff to obtain appraisals and noting the parcel lies in a proposed TIF district being reviewed by the planning commission.
The Hobart City Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously March 16 to declare a parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue owned by Regional Data Management LLC “blighted in an economic sense” under Indiana Code 36-7-14-19.5 and authorized staff to obtain appraisals ahead of any potential purchase.
The finding, made after a staff presentation and legal review, clears a statutory step the commission said is needed to prepare for future acquisition and redevelopment work in an area officials are considering for a new tax increment financing (TIF) district. Redevelopment Commission Attorney Ryan Cook summarized the legal standard and provided the wording used in the motion: “2711 West 37th Avenue owned by Regional Data Management LLC is blighted in an economic sense as stated in section 19.5 of the RDC statute.”
Director of Development Marcos Rodriquez told the commission the site is a former car wash now used for commercial vehicle storage and likely would require substantial rehabilitation to return to its original use. City Attorney Heather McCarthy confirmed the property is not included with a residence immediately behind it and that staff are preparing appraisals to inform any acquisition strategy.
Commission president Matthew Claussen said the declaration is one tool the city can use as part of a broader redevelopment strategy. McCarthy and Cook explained the parcel falls within the corridor being discussed for a TIF that would run from Route 165 down Route 6/37th Avenue to the county line; the TIF creation and any borrowing remain subject to additional planning and approvals. Cook and staff emphasized that declaring a property blighted is a legal finding required for certain acquisition processes but is not, by itself, an acquisition nor an exercise of eminent domain.
The motion to declare the parcel blighted was moved by President Matthew Claussen, seconded by Commissioner Nick Triana, and passed 4-0. Staff were authorized to obtain appraisals and to continue coordinating the parcel’s role in the proposed TIF district; the city’s planning commission is reviewing the proposed TIF at an upcoming meeting.
The commission did not vote to acquire the property at the March 16 meeting. Next steps identified in the discussion include completing appraisals and coordinating any acquisition or TIF financing plan with future RDC actions and planning commission approvals.
