(a)It is hereby found and declared that there exists in
municipalities of the state slum and blighted areas (as herein
defined) which constitute a serious and growing menace,
injurious to the public health, safety, morals and welfare of
the residents of the state; that the existence of such areas
contributes substantially and increasingly to the spread of
disease and crime, constitutes an economic and social liability
imposing onerous municipal burdens which decrease the tax base
and reduce tax revenues, substantially impairs or arrests the
sound growth of municipalities, retards the provision of housing
accommodations, aggravates traffic problems and substantially
impairs or arrests the elimination of traffic hazards and the
improvement of traffic facilities; and that the prevention and
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(a) It is hereby found and declared that there exists in
municipalities of the state slum and blighted areas (as herein
defined) which constitute a serious and growing menace,
injurious to the public health, safety, morals and welfare of
the residents of the state; that the existence of such areas
contributes substantially and increasingly to the spread of
disease and crime, constitutes an economic and social liability
imposing onerous municipal burdens which decrease the tax base
and reduce tax revenues, substantially impairs or arrests the
sound growth of municipalities, retards the provision of housing
accommodations, aggravates traffic problems and substantially
impairs or arrests the elimination of traffic hazards and the
improvement of traffic facilities; and that the prevention and
elimination of slums and blight is a matter of state policy and
state concern.
(b) It is further found and declared that certain slum or
blighted areas, or portions thereof, may require acquisition,
clearance, and disposition subject to use restrictions, as
provided in this act, since the prevailing conditions of decay
may make impracticable the reclamation of the area by
conservation or rehabilitation; that other areas or portions
thereof may, through the means provided in this act, be
susceptible to conservation or rehabilitation in such a manner
that the conditions and evils hereinbefore enumerated may be
eliminated, remedied or prevented; and that salvageable slum and
blighted areas can be conserved and rehabilitated through
appropriate public action as herein authorized, and the
cooperation and voluntary action of the owners and tenants of
property in such areas.
(c) It is further found and declared that the powers
conferred by this act are for public uses and purposes for which
public money may be expended and the power of eminent domain and
police power exercised; and that the necessity in the public
interest for the provisions herein enacted is hereby declared as
a matter of legislative determination.