It is hereby found and declared that there exists within the municipalities of this state a large number of real properties containing vacant and abandoned buildings, that many of these vacant and abandoned buildings are located in areas which are blighted or dilapidated and that the existence of such vacant and abandoned buildings contributes to the further decline of such blighted or dilapidated areas. It is further found that the abandonment and forfeiture of real properties with structures thereon are adversely affecting the economic well being of the municipalities and are inimical to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this state. It is further found that many of the vacant and abandoned buildings can be rehabilitated, reconstructed or reused so as to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing and ancillary commercial facilities and that such rehabilitation, reconstruction and reuse would eliminate, remedy and prevent the adverse conditions described above. It is further found that in blighted or dilapidated residential areas in municipalities of this state there are vacant municipally owned real properties where safe and sanitary housing could be constructed. It is further found that private enterprise has not been able to undertake and carry out the rehabilitation, reconstruction or reuse of abandoned and vacant buildings and the construction of housing on vacant municipally owned real properties within the blighted or dilapidated areas of the municipalities of this state and that the provisions of this part are necessary and in the public interest.

(P.A. 75-452, S. 1, 8; P.A. 86-405, S. 3, 12.)

History: P.A. 86-405 added findings re housing construction on vacant municipally owned real properties.