The City of Independence is continuing its efforts to reduce the number of dangerous and unsafe structures in the city.

 

At Thursday's city commission meeting, public hearings were held on the progress on two properties. One homeowner appeared before the commission to give an update on his renovation efforts and commissioners approved a 90-day extension to allow for more work to be done. Assistant City Manager David Cowan says that he has a list of 29 properties that he will present 10 at a time to begin the condemnation process.

 

Two properties in the 800 block of West Chestnut Street drew particular attention from Commissioner Tim Emert. Both properties are currently owned by Hannah's House ministries and have been in disrepair for several years. Emert says he would like the City to pursue action against the owners.

 

Commissioners voted to move forward with the condemnation process on a total of 8 properties with more to come during the next few meetings.

 

In other business, commissioners also heard from a citizen during the public comment portion of the meeting. The citizen asked commissioners to consider an addition to current pet ordinances that would limit the number of cats that can legally be owned.