Whenever the commission determines that an area or areas within the City of Chicago may be eligible for designation as a redevelopment area within the meaning of this chapter, it shall conduct any necessary investigations, studies, or surveys to determine the eligibility of the area. The commission may conduct such public hearings as it may deem necessary. Such investigations may include but need not be limited to inquiries into the economic, living or housing conditions of the area studied, the opportunities for employment in such area, land uses and the vacancy rates in such areas. The commission may establish and define the duties of neighborhood advisory councils to assist in any investigation, study or survey conducted pursuant to this section, or to assist in the carrying out of a redevelopment plan. Any hearing may be conducted by the commission or by a committee appointed by it, consisting of one or more members of the commission, or by an employee or agent specially authorized by the commission to conduct it. The commission and any member, employee or agent thereof so designated shall have power to administer oaths, take affidavits, and subpoena and require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers pertaining to such investigation. The commission may after such investigation designate such area as a redevelopment area. Such designation together with an accurate description of the area included in such designation shall be made by resolution of the majority of the commission and be part of the records of the commission. The commission shall present its resolution designating the area as a redevelopment area to the city council for its approval or rejection of the designation. If the city council approves the designation of the area, the commission shall have the authority to exercise in such areas the powers provided pursuant to this chapter; provided, however, that nothing in this ordinance shall restrict the powers otherwise vested in the City of Chicago. The designation of a redevelopment area shall not become effective until it is approved by the city council.
(Added Coun. J. 12-11-91, p. 10936)