The City of Independence approves the final draft of their new comprehensive plan.
It was another contentious meeting last night in Independence as the city commission heard once again from residents in the rural part of Montgomery County between Independence and Cherryvale. The reason for residents' anger is the planning boundaries for the City of Independence that include areas along US-160 east of town. Though the atmosphere in the Civic Center was cooler than at the May 7th Planning Commission meeting, there were still some angry words exchanged between residents and Independence Mayor Tim Emert.
About 15 residents voiced their opposition to the plan and most did so in a polite, calm way.
Members of the city commission attempted to reassure them that the city has no plans to annex any part of the areas in question. City officials told those in attendance that annexation usually only happens at the request of a property. Emert noted that the city last initiated annexation more than 38 years ago.
Commissioner Scott Smith told the group that the plan is in place to keep the city prepared in the event of more growth.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the final draft of the comprehensive plan, with all three commissioners reaffirming that the city has no plans to annex any properties.
