17-4743. Legislative findings; declarations of necessity; eminent domain.
17-4743
17-4743. Legislative findings; declarations of necessity; eminent
domain.
It is hereby found and declared that there exist in certain cities of
the state, slum and blighted areas (as herein defined) which constitute a
serious and growing menace, injurious to the public health, safety, morals
and welfare of the residents of the state; that the existence of such areas
contributes substantially and increasingly to the spread of disease and
crime, constitutes an economic and social liability, substantially impairs
or arrests the sound growth of municipalities and retards the provision of
housing accommodations; and that the prevention and elimination of slums
and blight is a matter of state policy and state concern in order that the
state and certain cities therein shall not continue to be endangered by
areas which are focal centers of disease, promote juvenile delinquency, and
that because of the congestion in such slum and blighted area innumerable
traffic problems are created which hamper the easy flow of motor vehicles
throughout the area, and, while contributing little to the tax income of
the state and its municipalities, consume an excessive proportion of its
revenues because of the extra services required for police, fire, accident,
hospitalization and other forms of public protection, services and
facilities.
It is further found and declared that certain slum or blighted areas, or
portions thereof, may require acquisition and clearance, as provided in
this act, since the prevailing condition of decay may make impracticable
the reclamation of the area by conservation or rehabilitation; that other
areas or portions thereof may, through the means provided in this act, be
susceptible of conservation or rehabilitation in such a manner that the
conditions and evils hereinbefore enumerated may be eliminated, remedied or
prevented; and that to the extent feasible salvable slum and blighted areas
should be conserved and rehabilitated through voluntary action and the
regulatory process.
It is further found and declared that the powers conferred by this act
are for public uses and purposes for which public money may be expended and
the power of eminent domain exercised; and that the necessity in the public
interest for the provisions herein enacted is hereby declared as a matter
of legislative determination.
History: L. 1955, ch. 86, § 2; June 30.