Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Redevelopment authority declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted, clearing path for appraisal and possible purchase
Summary
The Hobart Redevelopment Authority voted to find the parcel at 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted under the RDC statute, enabling appraisals and potential purchase tied to a proposed TIF district. Legal counsel said the decision is an early step in a larger corridor redevelopment strategy.
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 the authority said is required before it may move forward with appraisals and a potential purchase.
Staff presented the parcel to the commission as a former car wash now used for commercial vehicle storage, and noted the owner is a "willing seller." Authority legal counsel described the statutory test and the process the commission must follow, saying the RDC statute provides a tool for acquiring properties to support redevelopment when a willing seller exists and the parcel meets the blight standard.
"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," legal counsel said, and the commission moved to adopt that finding.
Commissioners discussed appraisals (staff said the city is working on them), how the property would fit a larger TIF-driven plan for the corridor and possible funding sources the RDC might use, including TIF borrowing and city contributions. Legal counsel and staff emphasized this motion does not consummate a purchase but authorizes the RDC to proceed with the statutorily required finding and next steps such as appraisals.
The commission approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said appraisals and additional due diligence will come next before any purchase agreement is signed.
The finding is part of a broader redevelopment strategy staff described for a corridor area that would be addressed in a new TIF district, and officials said further steps — including formal appraisal results, any purchase agreement and potential council approvals for eminent domain if ever required — would be handled in later proceedings.
