City To Expand Blight Survey

By Reagan ConnellyIn accordance with the current workforce housing problem Fairbury is facing, the city hired Marvin Planning Consultants, to survey an area in northeast Fairbury.The survey covered a triangular area bordered by North K Street, Airport Road, and Industrial Avenue. The goal of the study was to designate the area in Fairbury as blighted or substandard.The survey included an evaluation of the structures, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and streets.The survey found that 80 percent of the structures were rated normal and 20 percent were rated above normal, 100 percent of the sidewalks were poor or missing, eight percent of curbs and gutters were good and 92 percent were poor or missing, 25 percent of the streets were excellent and 75 percent were poor.It also found that the average age of the structures in the area was 42 years old.The study concluded that the area meets the criterion to be declared blighted, mostly due to the condition of the streets and the lack of storm drainage, sidewalks and gutters.“This will expand our existing blight and substandard district allowing the city to help support more businesses with TIF (Tax Increment Financing) and promote growth in the city. If any local business or contractors are interested in TIF opportunities I urge them to contact the city offices to discuss TIF and other programs the city offers to help support business and grow Fairbury,” said Laura Bedlan, Fairbury Development Service Director.Tax Increment Financing is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community-improvement projects.“To approve the study the city must first hold a hearing at Planning and Zoning to review and make a recommendation to Council. Then, upon their recommendation Council will hold a hearing to determine final approval. If the area is determined to be blighted and substandard by Council then it will likely be incorporated into the city’s existing redevelopment plan and Tax Increment Financing support will be made available in the new blight area,” Bedlan said.FJN contacted Fairbury Mayor Spencer Brown regarding his thought. “The city has been heavily involved in removing dilapidated properties but starting this year we will be also focusing on redevelopment projects and doing something with all the empty lots and green space. I would encourage any developers that have a desire to build in Fairbury to reach out to myself or the staff at the city offices, we are excited to help in any way we can,” Mayor Brown said.

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