The Independence City Commission sets a date for a Public Hearing on the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District or R-H-I-D regarding future plans for the Professional Building.
The move is the next step in a project by US Federal Properties that would revamp the historic building at 201 North Penn into a mixed-use project that would include apartments and commercial space. Executive Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt says the R-H-I-B is similar to a Neighborhood Revitalization Program that allows the base property tax value of the property to remain unchanged.
Nutt says the project helps the City meet one of its long-term goals.
Mayor Dean Hayse says the investment is good for the future of Independence.
Commissioner Scott Smith adds that finding a new use for one of the City's historic buildings can help attract new people to the City.
The Commission unanimously approved the resolution that sets the date for the Public Hearing on May 14th.
Image shows the US Federal Properties images of the proposed ground level of the Professional building.
