THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 31, 1996 TAG: 9610310001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 41 lines
As ballot questions go, the final one on the Virginia Beach ballot is about as simple and straightforward as they come.
``QUESTION: Is there a need for the redevelopment and housing authority to be activated in the City of Virginia Beach?''
The question is a simple one and so, too, is the answer - YES.
By voting yes, voters will give the city the much-needed power to condemn blighted areas for redevelopment or rehabilitation. State law strictly governs when condemnation may occur and ensures that property owners be compensated for their loss.
This is a necessary tool for local government. When used rarely and fairly, redevelopment authorities make the city a safer place for all its inhabitants. It is absurd that a city the size of Virginia Beach does not have the power to condemn blighted areas.
In fact, Virginia Beach officials have looked nationwide to find another city its size without the power to redevelop blighted areas. They were able to find just two municipalities with populations exceeding 300,000 without redevelopment powers. However, both of those cities are located within counties that already have the power to condemn blighted areas.
Like all municipalities, Virginia Beach already has the power to take private property in order to build roads, sewers, schools and other public buildings.
A redevelopment and housing authority will simply allow the city to address the problems of blighted pockets within the city. In blighted areas the city would compensate property owners, then redevelop, conserve or rehabilitate the area.
By creating a redevelopment and housing authority at this time, when blight is confined to a few areas, voters are planning wisely for the future. As Virginia Beach ages, so too does its housing stock. Guarding against blight is in everyone's best interest.
KEYWORDS: ENDORSEMENTS ELECTION VIRGINIA BEACH
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