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Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Ave blighted, ties decision to planned TIF strategy
Summary
The commission voted to find the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue (owned by Regional Data Management LLC) blighted under section 19.5 of the RDC statute to permit future acquisition steps as part of a broader tax‑increment financing strategy; staff said appraisals and title work are pending and the RDC lacks eminent domain authority without city council approval.
The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted March 16 to declare the parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted in an economic sense under section 19.5 of the RDC statute, a procedural finding staff said is needed to move forward with possible acquisition within a planned tax‑increment financing (TIF) strategy.
Staff and counsel (speaker 7 and others) outlined the statutory steps: the commission needs a willing seller (present in this case), must make a blight determination under the RDC statute and obtain appraisals before any purchase occurs. Counsel said appraisals and title work are underway; staff is not asking the board to purchase immediately but to make the statutory blight finding to enable future actions should the appraisal and title work support acquisition.
Commissioners asked whether the RDC has eminent domain authority. Counsel and staff clarified the commission does not have eminent domain power; the city council holds eminent domain authority and would be required to exercise it if condemnation were pursued. Staff also said the proposed acquisition would be tied to a larger TIF district under development along the Route 6/61 corridor and that TIF funds or city support could be used if appropriate.
The proposed motion read by counsel (speaker 7) would determine the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, to be blighted under section 19.5 of the RDC statute. The motion was moved, seconded and called for a vote during the meeting; the transcript records the motion and discussion in favor.
Next steps: staff will continue appraisal and title work, and will return to the commission with appraisal results and recommended next steps; any acquisition would follow further approvals and, if necessary, city council action for eminent domain.
