11/14/2023 0 Comments Downtown blight definition“A number of buildings throughout downtown Parkville haven’t been renovated, remodeled or improved, or properly maintained over time, and are often maintained to the bare minimum of the city’s property maintenance code,” Lachky said in his report. In it, the city sought to strengthen the economic viability of the area through various strategies, including improvements to the structure and physical appearance of buildings downtown. Lachky also reminded the board of the Vision Downtown Parkville plan, which was adopted by the board of aldermen in 2014. Efforts would be focused on commercial operations within the old town zoning district. The legal definition of blight, as used in economic development, can cover everything from an old building with outdated renovations to an empty lot that could be better used for other things. “Blight is a scary word for a lot of people who may be wondering why on Earth we would want to consider the entire downtown blighted,” Johnston said. Mayor Nan Johnston wanted to clear up some preconceptions about the blight designation, which is an economic development term and does not imply decay, crime or condemnation. Since, attorneys for the developer have pressed the city to consider a wider Chapter 353 assistance plan for downtown. In April, the city declared the buildings blighted to speed the developer's efforts to seek public financial assistance through Missouri Department of Economic Development Chapter 353 tax abatement on property taxes for up to 25 years. The current initiative was triggered, in part, by the reconstruction of the former Finders Keepers buildings on Main Street by developer Brian Mertz. 5 meeting of the board of aldermen, director of community development Stephen Lachky presented the city's proposed agreement with Development Initiatives for the blight study, at a cost of $13,500. The City of Parkville is moving forward with a plan that could pave the way for the redevelopment and renovation of some areas of downtown through a blight designation.Īt the Tuesday, Nov.
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