Redevelopment body declares 2711 West 37th Ave blighted, signals TIF-backed acquisition

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission voted to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue — owned by Regional Data Management LLC — "blighted in an economic sense" under the RDC statute so the commission can pursue acquisition as part of a planned tax-increment financing district.

Attorney (S8) told the commission the owner is a "willing seller" and reviewed the statutory standard in section 19.5, saying the finding is the first step before obtaining appraisals and negotiating a purchase. "Here, we know we have a willing seller," S8 said while urging the commission to make the statutory finding so staff can proceed with appraisals and next steps.

Commissioners discussed the funding pathways the RDC could use, with staff noting TIF would be central to a broader corridor strategy and that the city council — not the RDC — holds eminent-domain authority. Commissioner (S9) said the RDC had not historically used the statute much and framed the move as a tool to expedite redevelopment in neglected areas. "This is part of a much larger strategy," S9 said, noting the TIF would cover a swath of the corridor targeted for revitalization.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the motion to declare the parcel blighted, with staff saying the city is continuing work on appraisals and title reports before a purchase would be finalized.

What happens next: staff will obtain appraisals and the city will produce title reports. Any acquisition would rely on negotiated purchase terms or later council approvals for actions (including any eminent-domain steps).