Redevelopment commission declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted to enable TIF acquisition steps

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority voted to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue, owned by Regional Data Management LLC, as blighted in an economic sense under the RDC statute to enable future acquisition steps tied to a proposed tax-increment finance (TIF) district.

Counsel/attorney Ryan (speaker 8), introduced earlier by a commissioner, summarized the statutory process and recommended the finding. "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," he said, and moved that language before the commission. Commissioners discussed appraisal work the city is completing and the requirement that the owner is a willing seller before purchase activity proceeds.

Commissioners confirmed the RDC itself does not have eminent-domain authority; the city council holds eminent-domain power, and the RDC would need legislative approval for any such step. Staff said appraisals were in progress and that the vote being taken was to make a formal blight finding as an initial procedural step, not to finalize an acquisition. The parcel was discussed as part of a larger TIF strategy along the Route 6 corridor; staff and commissioners noted the proposed TIF would cover a longer corridor and would be used to assemble multiple properties for redevelopment.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the blight determination. Staff said next steps include obtaining appraisals, finalizing the TIF boundaries through the plan commission and city processes, and coordinating with the city for any necessary legislative approvals prior to purchase.

Next steps: staff to obtain and share appraisals, continue TIF formation work with the plan commission and city council, and report back on any purchase agreements or funding decisions.