Illinois Statutes Chapter 315. Urban Problems § 30/9. Powers of department

(a) To acquire slum and blighted areas and other areas which may constitute a redevelopment project as provided in this Act;

(b) To clear any such areas so acquired by demolition or removal of existing buildings and structures thereon; and to install, repair, construct or reconstruct streets, utilities and site improvements essential to the preparation of sites for use in accordance with a redevelopment plan;

(c) To convey real property so acquired for use in accordance with a redevelopment plan;

(d) To accomplish a combination of the foregoing to carry out a redevelopment plan.

In relation to the foregoing powers the Department may investigate into living and housing conditions in its area of operation to determine the extent and location of slum and blighted areas and other areas which may constitute a redevelopment project as defined herein and to ascertain in which of such area or areas development or redevelopment should be undertaken, and in connection with any such investigation may conduct public hearings, take testimony and proof under oath on the subject matter of such investigation, and cooperate with the planning agency of the municipality wholly or partially within its area of operation.

The Department shall have power to make studies, surveys and plans preliminary to or concerning any projects which are permissible under this Act.

The Department shall not be limited to one development or redevelopment project, but may have as many projects in process at one time as it may deem necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act.

A Department shall have no power to build or operate housing on any real property acquired under the provisions of Part I of this Act, other than to manage, operate and maintain existing housing or other buildings and improvements located thereon at the time of acquisition pending the demolition and removal of such buildings or improvements or the sale of any such buildings or improvements the demolition or removal of which is not deemed necessary to the redevelopment plan, and to use the rents and income to pay any expense in connection therewith.