Redevelopment authority declares 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted to clear way for TIF-driven purchase

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority voted on March 16 to declare the property at 2711 West 37th Avenue blighted, a step staff said is required before the commission can pursue appraisals and a possible purchase under a proposed tax-increment finance district.

Ryan (staff), speaking for the commission, said the parcel is owned by Regional Data Management LLC and that the owner is a "willing seller," which triggers the RDC statute process. "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," Ryan said when presenting the recommended motion.

Director-level staff and commissioners described the parcel as an old, nonfunctional car wash now used for commercial vehicle storage and cited assessor values and street-view evidence in support of a finding of economic blight. Commissioners discussed that a blight finding does not itself purchase the property but enables the RDC to obtain appraisals and to pursue acquisition as part of a larger redevelopment plan centered on a proposed TIF district along the Route 6 corridor.

Commissioners asked about the source of acquisition funding; staff said options include borrowing within TIF accounts, city contributions to the RDC, or other TIF mechanisms. Staff emphasized the blight finding is a first procedural step and confirmed a formal purchase would require appraisals and further approvals.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the blight determination by voice vote. Next steps identified by staff include obtaining appraisals and continuing work to define the TIF boundary and related redevelopment plans.