By A.J. Hazarabedian
The City of Chula Vista is looking for input from members of the community regarding a new five-year redevelopment plan. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune article, “Public opinion sought on redevelopment plan,” redevelopment officials have hopes of repairing their relationship with the community.
In past years, redevelopment has been an issue of some contention among Chula Vista residents. The article outlines some of the City’s past redevelopment issues, including a law that was put in place in 2006 which no longer allows for the City to condemn property for development purposes.
One thing at issue in this new redevelopment plan is whether or not to expand the redevelopment area in the western party of the city. As it is now, the redevelopment area is made up of Third Avenue, Broadway, Main Street and the bayfront. The article indicates that redevelopment officials do not have specifics as to the expansion area but mention it would likely be between Third Avenue and Broadway.
In the coming months, redevelopment officials will continue to work out a plan that best suits both the city’s needs and the community’s concerns.
Commentary from A.J. Hazarabedian:
Now that some time has passed since the landmark Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London, and eminent domain for development purposes is no longer quite the hot topic it was just a few years back, it will be interesting to see if Chula Vista – and other Cities which enacted similar ordinances – attempt to regain the power of eminent domain for redevelopment.