SOME SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT REDEVELOPMENT:

By Douglas M. Holbrook

In necessary and very specific conditions, the process of eminent domain is authorized.

- IS THE SEIZURE OF PROPERTY THROUGH EMINENT DOMAIN FOR THE PURPOSES OF PUBLIC BENEFIT APPROPRIATE ?

Yes: Clearly, and with good reason, the California Constitution provides local governing bodies, including redevelopment agencies, with the authority to acquire private property in order to accomplish necessary public benefit projects such as the removal of blight. In necessary and very specific conditions, the process of eminent domain is authorized.

- WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES/NEGATIVES OF CALIFORNIA'S REDEVELOPMENT LAW?

On the positive side, redevelopment has created thousands of jobs in San Diego, provided housing at all income levels, and contained sprawl by encouraging high density in-fill development. Obviously there is a negative side, in that certain individuals will experience various degrees of displacement in this process. Nonetheless, appropriate planning should be able to accommodate this factor.

- IS TAX-INCREMENT FINANCING, AT LEAST AS IT PERTAINS TO REDEVELOPMENT, GOOD OR BAD?

Good: Tax increment financing is a positive and creative way of creating tax revenue in areas that have become burdens because of disinvestment and deferred maintenance. It has the ability to turn a blighted area into a valuable community asset and reduce the financial burden on a city's general fund.

- ARE THERE OTHER PARTS OF TOWN THAT SHOULD BE DECLARED BLIGHTED SO THEY CAN BE REDEVELOPED?

Yes: Even with recent successes in Downtown San Diego and other areas of the city, there is still a need for additional work. Within Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, San Yisidro, and many other areas within District 8, there are obvious examples. Currently, a number of these projects are in process through SEDC.
What is quite clear, however, is that San Diego, or any other city, for that matter, can ill afford to let its urbanized areas decline. Disinvestment and decay within a neighborhood, if left unchecked, will worsen and ultimately infest surrounding neighborhoods. Such deterioration can and will drain a city's economic and tax base, strain its infrastructure, and ultimately preclude its citizens from enjoying a healthy and productive environment.