CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake City Council, sitting as the Redevelopment Agency (RDA), recently provided approval for the Fiscal Year 2010-11 Blight Report in relation to the Highlands Park Community Development Project. No changes were made in comparison to the previous year”s report.
The report is required as part of the State Controller”s Report, which must be completed before Dec. 31.
“In as much as the State of California has severely restricted redevelopment activity since last March it would follow that there has been no change in blight in the Clearlake Redevelopment Agency Project Area since last year,” Interim City Administrator Joan Phillipe said in her report to the board. “Therefore, the report from the prior year will essentially serve as the Blight Report for 2010-11.”
In relation to design, condition or location of residential and non-residential structures being unsafe or unhealthful to occupants the report cites defective building design and character of physical condition in that there exists wooden structures with wood in contact with ground or standing water in prime flood areas; recreational vehicles being used for year-round occupancy without adequate insulation, heating, wiring, etc.; and trailers, mobile homes and modular homes not being tied to foundations and/or with propane gas tanks not protected against seismic hazards.
In relation to high density of population and overcrowding the report cites use of trailer parks and recreational vehicle for permanent housing; and conversion of motel and tourist court units to family occupancy.
In relation to age, obsolescence, structural deterioration and dilapidation, the report cites deteriorating residential structures; aged, obsolete and deteriorated commercial structures and deteriorated parking facilities; obsolete, dilapidated industrial structures; and obsolete agricultural structures.
In relation to incompatible mixed-uses and residential conversions to commercial uses, the report cites residences mixed with commercial and industrial uses; residences mixed with commercial and retail uses; mixed residential and commercial uses, lacking adequate parking; residential uses adjoining fuel storage depot; and residential uses in airport approach vicinity.
In relation to properties with economic dislocation, deterioration or disuse/improper utilization of area the report cites the subdividing and sale of lots of inadequate size for development: unimproved grid subdivisions and streets paved on hilly terrain; unimproved subdivisions, unpaved streets and inaccessible grades; and grid pattern subdivision on hilly terrain, unpaved streets inaccessible due to terrain.
In relation to prevalence of depreciated values, impaired investments and lack of incentives to maintain/upgrade properties, the report cites the underdevelopment of residential lots in grid subdivisions that lack infrastructure; the conversion of recreational vehicle parks, motels, tourist courts to year-round occupancy; high retail tenant turnover and vacancy rates and lack of proper maintenance and improvements/upgrades; and service commercial and light industrial districts lacking public services and facilities.
In relation to social and economic maladjustment resulting from structural deterioration; inadequate local/arterial streets, flood control improvements and public utilities; economic dislocation, disinvestment or disuse, the report cites the following: concentration of low-income retirees and seasonally unemployed and limited disposable income; loss of visitor accommodations; retail sales leakage because of excessive vacancies and retail turnover in shopping centers; limited employment opportunities in service commercial/light industrial districts; increased health and welfare costs associated with poverty; and elevated property crime rates in areas of high employment.
