(1) The Legislative Assembly recognizes that there exists residential property in this state that is insanitary and unsafe and that many citizens, especially those with lower incomes, are forced to live in and occupy these properties.

(2) The Legislative Assembly further recognizes that there are residential properties in this state that have not been maintained in compliance with basic sanitary and habitability standards and which have become abandoned. These conditions contribute to the spread of disease and criminal activity, create urban blight and community deterioration, adversely affect the state’s economic and social viability and otherwise detrimentally impact the public’s health, safety and welfare.

(3) In order to correct these conditions, it is necessary to revitalize these residential properties and thus add to the overall housing stock of this state. The Legislative Assembly deems it necessary to authorize county and municipal governments to adopt and implement receivership programs to allow for the upgrading of substandard and abandoned residential properties. [1989 c.649 § 2]