Planning commission recommends removing blight designation for former Hastings Regional Center

The Hastings Planning Commission on July 15 recommended that City Council remove the blighted and substandard designation for Redevelopment Area Number 12, commonly referred to as the former Hastings Regional Center.

City planning staff told the commission the Community Redevelopment Authority provided a de‑blight study and recommended removal; staff said it also recommends approval. "Staff recommends approval of the removal of the blight designation for area number 12," Amber said in her staff report.

The commission heard that the original blight and substandard study and redevelopment plan were adopted in March 2009. Commission discussion noted the state now owns and maintains the property and has removed older structures that previously contributed to the blight finding. Randy Chick, who addressed the commission, said the state appears to be retaining and redeveloping parts of the site and "it might be quite some time before that ever becomes available for any kind of public investment." Chick also said the change would free up acreage under the city’s statutory cap: the city is just under 30% of allowed acreage and removing Area 12 would drop about 162 acres from the blighted total; the cap for a first‑class city is 35%.

Commissioner Chuck moved to recommend removal of the designation; Commissioner Jody seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

The commission did not receive public comment on the item. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action under the city’s redevelopment process and applicable state law.