The insurance company, prior to the acquisition of the real estate or within one year after its acquisition, or within such further period as may be permitted and prescribed in writing by the commissioner, shall present to the governing body of the city wherein the real estate is located an application for approval of a project for the improvement of the real estate which has been acquired, for the acquisition of real estate for such purposes and for the construction thereon of new housing facilities in accordance with proper standards of sanitation and safety, at the expense of the company. The application, which may be amended or supplemented, as provided in section 17:19-2 of this title, shall set forth a statement of the project presented for approval and shall have annexed thereto the exhibits stated in said section 17:19-2.
The governing body shall thereupon proceed in the manner provided in section 17:19-3 of this title.