12.02(2): Area Eligibility
2 12.02(2): Area Eligibility Introduction In order to undertake the actions contained in this Urban Renewal Plan (URP), the Project Area must be designated as an Urban Renewal Area, first by Holyoke Redevelopment Authority and the City, and then by the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Specifically, elements discussed in this section include a brief historical overview of the City of Holyoke, and the physical characteristics, existing zoning that regulates downtown redevelopment, existing land uses, existing access and transportation conditions, and property ownership of the Project Area. In accordance with 760 CMR 12.02(2), the following section provides background information such as location, history, relevant statistics, and rationale for the Project Area boundaries, as well as a needs assessment that supports the proposed public actions that aim to meet the project goals and objectives, as presented in Chapter 3, Project Objectives. This chapter also presents data, such as inspections of buildings/sites and other descriptive material documenting that the Project Area is “decadent, substandard or blighted,” pursuant to the definition in M.G.L c. 121B, Section 1 and, therefore, eligible to be designated as an Urban Renewal Area. The overall purpose of this section is to provide a description of existing conditions and a background, and presents a context for the community's goals. Background The City of Holyoke established a Redevelopment Authority in February 2008. Chartered under Chapter 121B,
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