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Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Ave 'blighted,' clears path for TIF acquisition
Summary
The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted to declare a commercial parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted under section 19.5 of the RDC statute, a step that allows appraisals and potential acquisition using tax-increment financing once the TIF district is created. Appraisals and further approvals are required before any purchase.
The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted Monday to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue "blighted in an economic sense," authorizing staff to pursue appraisals and next steps that could lead to acquisition within a planned tax-increment financing (TIF) district.
"The determination that the property at 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," the Attorney told the board when offering the motion language. Commissioners moved and seconded the motion and approved it by voice vote.
Board discussion laid out the immediate limits and requirements of the action. Staff said the parcel is a former car wash now used for commercial vehicle storage and that the owner has been identified as a "willing seller." The Attorney and agency staff advised that appraisals must be obtained before any purchase and that the TIF district that would finance redevelopment has not yet been finalized.
Agency staff described possible funding options, noting that a TIF could borrow against future incremental tax revenues and the city could provide funding to the RDC if it chooses. The board clarified that the RDC itself does not have eminent domain authority and that any use of eminent domain would require approval by the City Council.
Members emphasized that the blight finding is an early procedural step. Staff said appraisals are pending and that further approvals, and possibly separate municipal actions, will be needed before acquisition or redevelopment can occur. The commission did not take acquisition action at the meeting beyond making the blight determination.
