Redevelopment board declares 2711 W. 37th Ave blighted to enable TIF-backed acquisition

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority voted to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, “blighted in an economic sense,” a determination members said is required before the commission can pursue acquisition tied to a planned TIF district.

Board member Ryan moved the determination and read recommended language to the record: “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 motion received a second and a vote followed.

Why it matters: Board counsel and staff said a blight finding is a statutory prerequisite under the RDC statute for an acquisition route that the city intends to pair with a targeted TIF. Counsel told the board the parcel is a willing-seller case but that appraisals and title work are required before a purchase could close. The board discussed funding options, including borrowing within the TIF and city assistance if needed.

What staff told the board: Staff said the site is an older, out-of-use car wash currently used for commercial vehicle storage and that assessor values were provided to the commission while formal appraisals were still pending. Counsel noted the commission must document blight under the statute before taking acquisition steps and that the larger TIF plan would cover multiple parcels along the corridor.

Next steps: Staff said appraisals and title reports are pending; the city is working on those items before any purchase agreement or closing. Board members were told the TIF district is still being finalized by the plan commission and that any use of eminent-domain authority would require additional legislative approvals.

The board put the finding on the record and approved moving forward with the process; staff will return with appraisals and draft acquisition materials as they become available.