There is hereby created a Department of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment.
[Amended by L.L. No. 2-1966]
The Mayor shall appoint a Director of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment
to hold office during his pleasure. The Director shall be the head
of the Department of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment. He shall appoint
to hold office during his pleasure, except as otherwise provided by
law, a Deputy Director of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment and such
other subordinates as may be prescribed by the Board of Estimate and
Contract. In case of the absence or disability of the Director of
Urban Renewal and Redevelopment or a vacancy in the office, the Deputy
Director of Urban Renewal may discharge the duties of the office until
the Director of Urban Renewal returns, his disability ceases or the
vacancy is filled.
[Added by L.L. No. 14-1960; amended by L.L. No.
1-1972]
Except as otherwise provided by statute, and subject to the
provisions of law and ordinances of the City Council, the Director
of Urban Renewal and Redevelopment shall have power and shall be required
to plan and administer urban renewal and redevelopment programs designed
to improve areas of the City; to acquire and dispose of real property
situated within the City of Mount Vernon; relocate family units and
individuals; improve and dispose of sites under development and establish
necessary administrative control over the various phases of urban
renewal and redevelopment; supervise technical and administrative
employees; prepare estimates of cost involved in urban renewal and
redevelopment projects; recommend methods for improvement of blighted
areas and rehabilitation of existing properties; prepare application
for slum clearance and rehabilitation projects in blighted areas and
negotiate with federal and state officials relative to contemplated
or approved projects; coordinate the work of various City agencies
involved in urban and redevelopment programs; make detailed reports
to the Mayor when requested by the Mayor, and perform such other duties
in regard to urban renewal and redevelopment as the Mayor shall direct.