A Jan. 1 change in redevelopment laws has prompted the Moorpark Redevelopment Agency to alter its contract with Urban Futures, Inc., the consulting firm that is helping the city restore eminent domain authority.

Eminent domain enables public agencies to acquire properties even if the owner is not willing to sell.

Since the redevelopment law changed, cities are now required to do a blight analysis before they make eminent domain amendments, said David Moe, agency manager.

"The city has to show where the physical and economic blight exist," Moe said.

The economic blight assessment report will be prepared by Alfred Gobar Associates.

The blight analysis will take a look at structures that have depreciated or properties whose value is stagnant. Structures that are inadequate for commercial purposes or pose a safety risk or economic burden will be examined, as well as overcrowded housing, according to an agency report.

The blight analysis should be completed by this summer, said Moe.

The city's plan to reinstate use of eminent domain power has encountered a great deal of opposition in downtown Moorpark.

Project Area Committee, a group made up of residents and business owners who have a stake in the downtown area, was formed last year to advise the city on the amendment.

The group didn't agree with the city's proposal to reinstate eminent domain authority because some residential properties were included in the plan. It requested that only commercial and industrial properties should be affected by the change.

- - Sylvie Belmond