2013 Connecticut General Statutes 8-128 – Acquisition or rental of real property by redevelopment agency. Limitations
(a) Within a reasonable time after its approval of the redevelopment plan as provided in section 8-127, the redevelopment agency may proceed with the acquisition or rental of real property by purchase, lease, exchange or gift. The redevelopment agency may acquire real property by eminent domain with the approval of the legislative body of the municipality and in accordance with the provisions of sections 8-129 to 8-133, inclusive, and this section, except that a redevelopment agency that acquires real property by eminent domain pursuant to a redevelopment plan under this chapter shall approve the acquisition in accordance with section 8-127a. The legislative body in its approval of a project shall specify the time within which real property is to be acquired, except as provided in sections 8-193 and 32-224, and such time for acquisition may be extended by the legislative body in accordance with section 48-6, upon request of the redevelopment agency, provided the owner of the real property consents to such request.
(b) Real property may be acquired prior to the adoption or approval of the project area redevelopment plan, provided the property acquired shall be located within an area designated on the general plan as an appropriate redevelopment area or within an area whose boundaries are defined by the planning commission as an appropriate area for a redevelopment project, and provided such acquisition shall be authorized by the legislative body. The redevelopment agency may clear, repair, operate or insure such property while it is in its possession or make site improvements essential to preparation for its use in accordance with the redevelopment plan.