Good news for those who want better parking in downtown Independence.

 A bid to renovate the Municipal Parking lot was awarded to Heck & Wicker at last night's (Thursday's) Independence City Commission meeting. The $600,000 dollar project will improve parking in the city. Independence City engineer John Garris says one of the main reasons for the renovation is to bring the lot into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The renovation will also make parking easier for those with large vehicles like pick up trucks and SUVs. Commissioner Scott Smith sayshe likes the new design and knows first-hand how difficult parking a large vehicle in that lot could be.

The measure was approved by a 2 to 1 vote with Smith and Mayor Tim Emert votiing for and Dean Hayse voting against.