The City of Independence continues to make dangerous and unsafe properties a priority.

That was the word at last night's Independence City Commission meeting. Assistant City Manager David Cowan says the City's Code enforcement staff continues to address the issue.
 

At last night's meeting, commissioners voted to set a date for Public Hearings on twelve properties across the City. The plan is to continue to prioritize nuisance abatement, environmental code enforcement, and the removal of dangerous and unsafe structures to advance neighborhood revitalization and to protect public health and safety. Director of the Independence Housing Authority April Nutt also addressed the Commission about housing needs. She says new home construction in Independence is progressing.
 

Like many communities in southeast Kansas, Independence has seen a need to increase housing availability. City officials say a continued focus on new home construction and the revitalization of existing houses will help address that need.