The Process

The process of designating an "area in need of redevelopment" can be commenced and completed very quickly, or over a longer period of time. The time necessary to undertake the process depends on a variety of factors, including the level of political and public support for the designation, the receptivity of property owners who would be impacted, the amount of public participation, the availability and experience of professional consultants, and the community's vision (or lack thereof) for the area in question. Communities that have been through the process before often are better able to navigate subsequent designations more efficiently.

The principal steps in the process are as follows:

• Governing body defines the area in question and authorizes the Planning Board to undertake a Preliminary Investigation to determine whether the area in question is an "area in need of redevelopment"
• Planning Board undertakes the Preliminary Investigation and makes recommendation to Governing Body
• Governing body adopts finding that area is in need of redevelopment
• Governing Body authorizes preparation of a redevelopment plan
• Redevelopment Plan is prepared, typically by the Planning Board
• Governing Body adopts Redevelopment Plan, upon the recommendation of the Planning Board
• Implementation by Governing Body or Redevelopment Agency