(A) Urban blight is the process whereby a functioning city, or part of a city, falls into disrepair and decrepitude. This process includes de-industrialization, de-population, economic restructuring, abandoned buildings, high local unemployment, fragmented families, political disenfranchisement, crime and a desolate, inhospitable urban landscape. Since the 1970s, major structural changes in global economies, transportation and government policy created economic and social conditions resulting in urban blight.
(B) Within Waterbury, there exist many blighted properties. These blighted properties contribute to the decline of neighborhoods and adversely affect the prosperity of Waterbury. Blighted properties are inimical to the health, safety and welfare of Waterbury residents. Blighted properties must be rehabilitated, reconstructed, demolished or reused to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing and commercial facilities. The rehabilitation, reconstruction, demolition and reuse of these blighted properties will eliminate, remedy and reverse urban decay within Waterbury.
(Ord. passed 10-22-2012; Ord. passed 9-23-2013)