MONROE — Council members agreed to designate 101 acres of property as blighted spanning east from just west of 7th Avenue to 20th Avenue and from slightly north of 8th Street to 14th Street by request of the Redevelopment Authority looking to establish its first project area boundaries.

Dan Lindstrom, planning and community development manager with planning company Vierbicher Associates Inc., gave a short presentation during a public hearing held during the meeting of the Monroe Common Council on Monday at City Hall. He quickly reiterated information previously given to aldermen. 

Lindstrom said by state law, the boundaries of any project area must be at least 50 percent blighted. He added that the definition of blight can vary greatly, from “crumbling infrastructure to outdated platting.” 

Vierbicher surveyors examined properties from sidewalks and assessed which were best suited to be described as blighted. 

The project area is meant to incentivize repairs and updates. With the designation, the RDA can provide information and assistance to property owners within the district to utilize programs for funding to improve infrastructure. Lindstrom said the designation of blight does not impact market or assessed value of buildings nor does it have to be disclosed in future real estate agreements. 

Alderman Ron Marsh asked whether the RDA would have the power to condemn any properties. Lindstrom said the ultimate decision with issues like that would fall to the full council. He reiterated that the RDA stands to help people improve their properties and the group would like to avoid any sort of action like condemning a property. 

Fellow council member Mickey Beam raised concerns over how the process would be implemented with people who own properties but may not necessarily inhabit them or even be local. Lindstrom said there will be a certified letter of notification sent to each landowner to ensure communication takes place with everyone.

The area, which in total spans 140 acres of the city, is considered to be 54 percent blighted. Council members voted unanimously to approve the boundaries. Aldermen Michael Boyce and Jeff Newcomer were absent.