Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted, advances TIF strategy

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted March 16 to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, "blighted in an economic sense" under section 19.5 of the RDC statute, a determination the commission said is a preliminary step toward acquisition as part of a planned tax-increment financing (TIF) strategy.

An agency official advising the commission urged the finding after reviewing assessed values and visible conditions at the former car wash site; the official told commissioners the owner is a "willing seller" under the statute and that the determination would allow the RDC to proceed with appraisals and acquisition planning. The official said the city is working on appraisals and that the commission’s action would not itself purchase the property.

Chair moved the formal motion that the commission find the parcel blighted under section 19.5 and permit next steps; a member seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked for clarity on funding paths and statutory limits: staff said potential funding could come from TIF borrowing or city contributions, but noted any exercise of eminent domain would require approval by the city council.

Staff framed the action as part of a larger corridor strategy to use a TIF district to rehabilitate multiple neglected parcels; staff said the TIF district is not yet finalized and that the commission must still obtain appraisals before any purchase offer.

What happens next: staff will obtain appraisals and return with more specific budget and acquisition recommendations. The commission’s action authorized the blight determination only; it did not approve a purchase or commit specific RDC funds.

Provenance: The topic first appeared in the transcript at SEG 418 and continued through SEG 696.