It is hereby found and determined that there exists within the City blighted, deteriorated and deteriorating areas of the nature defined in this chapter which substantially impair and arrest the sound growth of the community; which constitute an economic and social liability; and which are detrimental to the public peace, property, health and safety in their present condition and use; and that the elimination by the City, in whole or in part, of blighted and deteriorating areas by urban renewal activities as provided herein is necessary for the public welfare and is a public use and purpose for which public money may be expended and private property acquired by purchase, by donation and, if necessary, by eminent domain, and are governmental functions of concern to the City, and require the exercise of the powers of government granted to the City by the provisions of Article XVIII of the Ohio Constitution, and that the necessity in the public interest and general welfare for the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination. (Ord. 2002-36. Passed 4-8-02.)