Section 8-4-2. Legislative findings and declaration of necessity

   It is found and declared:

   (1) That there exist in many communities within this state blighted areas, as defined in Code Section 8-4-3, or areas in the process of becoming blighted;

   (2) That such areas impair economic values and tax revenues; that such areas cause an increase in and spread of disease and crime and constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the state; that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities;

   (3) That the clearance, replanning, and preparation for rebuilding of these areas and the prevention of the reduction of blight and its causes are public uses and purposes for which public money may be spent and private property acquired and are governmental functions of state concern;

   (4) That there are also certain areas where the condition of the title, the diverse ownership of the land to be assembled, the street or lot layouts, or other conditions prevent a proper development of the land; that it is in the public interest that such areas, as well as blighted areas, be acquired by eminent domain and made available for sound and wholesome development in accordance with a redevelopment plan; and that the exercise of the power of eminent domain and the financing of the acquisition and preparation of land by a public agency for such redevelopment is likewise a public use and purpose;

   (5) That redevelopment activities will stimulate residential construction which is closely correlated with general economic activity; and that such undertakings authorized by this chapter will aid the production of better housing and more desirable neighborhood and community development at lower costs and will make possible a more stable and larger volume of residential construction, which will assist materially in achieving and maintaining full employment;

   (6) That there exists an emergency housing shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings for families of low income; and

   (7) That it is in the public interest that advance preparation for such projects and activities be made now; and that the necessity in the public interest for the provisions enacted by this chapter is declared as a matter of legislative determination.

Ga. L. 1946, p. 157, § 2.