What happens to low-income residents within urban renewal areas? Should they be concerned that they will be relocated out of their neighborhood?
Nothing has to happen to low-income residents within an urban renewal area. In fact many communities elect to require or encourage the inclusion of low- and moderate-income residential units in the area in an effort to maintain a greater level of diversity. Having said this, however, if new investment or reinvestment was proposed that could potentially dislocate existing residential units – there could be a range of outcomes. If the units are acquired by the Urban Renewal Authority, residents owning their homes would need to be compensated for their home, in addition to any relocation expenses. The sale of units by private residents to a private entity needs to occur through arms-length transactions. Compensation to property owners is generally equal to or in excess of fair market value and usually includes potential expenses including those related to relocation. Tenants of residential products which are sold in an urban renewal area would need to work with the owner of their property on issues related to relocation (if necessary), unless, there is a federal program attached to the unit or resident (i.e., housing vouchers, etc.). Under this scenario, specific federal guidelines would need to be followed related to relocation of residents.

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1. What is a Conditions Survey (Blight Study) and why do one?
2. What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?
3. If an area is described as “blighted” what does that mean?
4. Why would I, a property/business owner, want to be included in an urban renewal area?
5. Does being in an urban renewal area affect my property values?
6. How are the boundaries of an urban renewal area determined?
7. Does being in an urban renewal area mean my property will be condemned?
8. How will I be compensated if my property is taken in a condemnation action?
9. Who decides what the final urban renewal plan will look like?
10. If my property is in an urban renewal area, what flexibility do I have to improve it?
11. What is the process for establishing an urban renewal area and advancing an urban renewal plan? Generally --
12. How will owning in a neighborhood “declared” blighted affect me as a home-owner?
13. Will my property taxes go up?
14. What happens to low-income residents within urban renewal areas? Should they be concerned that they will be relocated out of their neighborhood?
15. How long will it take to make the improvements the Urban Renewal Authority wants to see?
16. What can URA monies be used for? How can I tap into them as a landlord, business tenant, commercial property landowner, or private resident?
17. What determines which area within an urban renewal you start with first?
18. When there is “blight” in public buildings, how do you address it?
19. How many conditions are needed to declare an area “blighted”?
20. When does 120 days start?
21. Can the “base” (value) go up or down?
22. Do I have to disclose a “blight” designation on my property when I sell it?
23. What are the powers and duties of Councils and Commissions in urban renewal?
24. What will the urban renewal plan do for me?
25. What won’t the urban renewal plan do for me?