Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted to clear path for TIF-driven purchase

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 larger TIF-driven redevelopment strategy. Staff proposed the resolution language and commissioners moved and seconded the finding on the record.

Staff counsel and redevelopment staff told the commission the owner is a "willing seller" and that appraisals are being obtained before any purchase offer is made. Staff said the blight determination is required by section 19.5 of the RDC statute before the commission may proceed. A staff member (speaker 8) recommended wording for the motion and explained the statutory steps to establish blight and how the TIF would be used as a financing tool.

Commissioners discussed the practical limits and next steps: the TIF district must be created and approved by the city before the RDC could use TIF proceeds, and the body does not itself have the power of eminent domain; the city council would hold that authority if condemnation were ever necessary. Commissioners also asked staff about appraisals, boundaries for the proposed TIF (the discussion referenced stretching the district along Route 6 toward 65), and possible funding sources including inter-TIF borrowing or direct city funding.

The motion to declare the property blighted carried by voice vote. Staff said the next procedural steps are completion of appraisals, finalizing TIF boundaries and plan-commission hearings required for a new TIF district, and coordinating any purchase steps with the city and the seller. The commission did not authorize a purchase at the meeting; it established the record finding required to move the parcel forward for possible acquisition and redevelopment.