KENOSHA ⏤ Tonight, following a public hearing, the City Council will vote on whether or not to declare the Red Zone property, 4814 Sheridan Rd., “blighted.”
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After being declared blighted, the city would take possession of the property. Mayor John Antaramian presented the resolution to the council.
A requirement to take over property
In order to receive a local government environmental liability exemption for the property, the city must first declare it blighted. In fact, the proposed resolution states as much.
“WHEREAS, the City conducted a Phase I environmental site assessment which indicated the Property had formerly contained a dry cleaning operation;
and WHEREAS, due to the probability of hazardous substances being present on the Property, the City wishes to obtain a local government liability exemption pursuant to Wis. Stat, §292.11(9) (e);
and WHEREAS, in order to obtain the local government environmental liability exemption, the Property must be acquired by certain methods, one of which is for the purpose of blight elimination …”
Mayor John Antaramian’s Red Zone blight ordinance
Reason for blight use unusual
Most often a blight declaration is levied against a property in disrepair. However, the reasoning behind the blight designation for the Red Zone property appears more moral and neighborhood-driven.
“WHEREAS, the Property by reason of age, obsolescence and other factors conducive to juvenile delinquency or crime is detrimental to the public health, safety, morals or welfare;
and WHEREAS, the Property by reason of faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility or usefulness together with other factors substantially impairs the sound growth of the neighborhood and City; constitutes an economic or social liability; and is a menace to public health, safety, morals or welfare in its present condition and use;
and WHEREAS, a determination of a blighted property requires a public hearing and a municipal resolution approving determination.”
Mayor John Antaramian’s Red Zone blight resolution
The resolution also concludes with council members who approve of it further resolving their support of the city then purchasing the property. That purchase would be for “blight elimination.”
Tonight’s City Council agenda
The topic will be discussed at the end of Section I of tonight’s agenda.
The City Council continues to meet virtually. Therefore, if you wish to listen to/watch the meeting, you can do so via:
- Public Access Channel 25;
- Live Web Streaming at https://shorturl.at/joHNQ;
- Or join via telephone or Zoom by calling 312-626-6799 or 646-558-8656; enter meeting ID 912 0010 5823 when prompted.
See tonight’s agenda below.
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