2005 Maine Code - §5202 — Definitions

      1. Blighted area. "Blighted area" means:
   
A. An area in which there are a substantial number of buildings or improvements that are detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare because of:   
(1) Dilapidation, deterioration, age or obsolescence;  
(2) Inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation or open spaces;  
(3) High density of population and overcrowding;  
(4) The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire and other causes; or  
(5) Any combination of these factors; or [1999, c. 540, §4 (amd).]    
B. An area that is a threat to the public health, safety or welfare in its present condition and use because of:   
(1) Inadequate street layout, unsanitary or unsafe conditions;  
(2) Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land;  
(3) The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire and other causes; or  
(4) Any combination of these factors. [1999, c. 540, §4 (amd).] [1999, c. 540, §4 (amd).]
      2. Community development program. "Community development program" means a program adopted by a municipality under this chapter which has as its primary objective the development of a viable community by providing decent housing principally for persons of low and moderate incomes, or by expanding economic opportunity by providing public facilities. This program must conform to the municipality's comprehensive plan. The program may include the following specific objectives:
   
A. The identification and elimination of slums and blight and the prevention of blighting influences and the deterioration of property and neighborhood and community facilities important to the welfare of the community and principally to persons of low and moderate income; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
B. The elimination of conditions which are detrimental to health, safety and public welfare through code enforcement, demolition, interim rehabilitation assistance and related activities; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
C. The conservation and expansion of housing stock in order to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for all persons, but principally those of low and moderate income; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
D. The expansion and improvement of the quantity and quality of community services, principally for persons of low and moderate income, which are essential for sound community development and for the development of viable urban communities; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
E. A more rational use of land and other natural resources and the better arrangement of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and other needed activity centers; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
F. The reduction of the isolation of income groups within the community and surrounding geographical areas and the promotion of an increase in the diversity and vitality of neighborhoods through the spatial deconcentration of housing opportunities for persons of lower income and the revitalization of deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods in order to attract persons of higher income; and [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]    
G. The restoration and preservation of properties of special value for historic, architectural or aesthetic reasons. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).] [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]
      3. Disposition. "Disposition" includes the sale or lease of the property to persons not necessarily the original owners, or the municipality's retention of the property after acquisition or after acquisition and rehabilitation or demolition.[1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]
      4. Owner. "Owner" means any person having an estate, interest or easement in the property to be acquired, or having a lien, charge, mortgage or encumbrance on the property.[1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]
      5. Slum area. "Slum area" means a blighted area in an extreme state of deterioration and decay.[1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (new); Pt. C, §106 (new); 1989, c. 6 (amd); c. 9, §2 (amd); c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (amd).]

Section History:

PL 1987,  Ch. 737,   §A2,C106 (NEW).
PL 1989,  Ch. 6,   § (AMD).
PL 1989,  Ch. 9,   §2 (AMD).
PL 1989,  Ch. 104,   §C8,10 (AMD).
PL 1999,  Ch. 540,   §4 (AMD).