What is a project area?

The area within which actual redevelopment will take place. The project area must first go to public hearing (giving citizens who will be included in the project area a chance to express their views) after which the Redevelopment Agency acts on the adoption of the project area and becomes primarily responsible for future projects.

Before a project area is established, a survey area is designated to determine whether or not a redevelopment project is feasible. Preliminary studies, such as feasibility studies, are conducted to make a determination of the blighting conditions within the area.

A project area is chosen by a local governing body first designates a survey area. Then the redevelopment advisory committee (RAC), made up of members of the community, provides the agency with input on the kinds of changes they would like to see made in the area. The survey area must then be evaluated to determine if it qualifies for redevelopment. Based upon this evaluation, the planning commission selects a project area and indicates how the purpose of the Community Redevelopment Law can be attained by redevelopment of this area. A project area can be reduced in size prior to adoption of the redevelopment plan, but cannot be enlarged without amending the survey area. A project area can also include non-adjacent properties.