Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted to enable potential purchase

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission on March 16 voted to declare the parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, blighted in an economic sense under Section 19.5 of the RDC statute to permit further acquisition steps.

Redevelopment staff (speaker 8) told commissioners the owner is a "willing seller" and that the city is pursuing appraisals before any purchase. Staff recommended the specific wording to make the blight determination under the RDC statute so the commission could proceed with due diligence and potential acquisition as part of a broader TIF-driven redevelopment strategy.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether the RDC or the city would provide acquisition funding; staff explained the TIF is central to the larger corridor plan and that the RDC has options, including borrowing within TIF funds or the city providing funds if it chooses. Staff emphasized the property would not be purchased before appraisals and any required additional approvals.

Board member (speaker 9) noted the RDC statute had not historically been used often for this purpose and said the approach is intended to give the city tools to acquire blighted properties more efficiently. After a motion and second, the commission approved the blight determination by voice vote.

Staff said appraisals remain outstanding and that the property will be evaluated further once appraisal reports are received; the commission did not authorize immediate purchase without the appraisals and required follow-up approvals.