MOORHEAD - The Moorhead City Council on Monday approved a redevelopment plan and tax-increment financing district for the First Avenue North corridor and other areas near downtown.
Officials said the move sets the stage for potential development of blighted areas.
A number of residents spoke at Monday's council meeting, questioning why a stretch of Eighth Street South was included in the TIF district.
Neighbors in the area previously voiced concerns about properties they believe have been neglected, and John Sherman asked the council Monday about the message it was sending.
"The city is saying: 'You buy some property, you let it run down, and we'll help you out,' " Sherman said.
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City officials said any projects proposed for the area will be required to go through an approval process before they reÂceive a tax break as part of the TIF district.
According to information presented by city staff, redevelopment of the affected properties on Eighth Street would be prohibitive without some type of incentive.
