Independence neighboord hopes rezoning as art district will improve community

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Tuesday night, the Independence Planning Commission voted to rezone the Englewood shopping district. Business owners in the Independence neighborhood say it's been a long process.

Staci Short grew up in the Englewood area, located just off Sterling Avenue and Winner Road. She remembers going to the shopping area as a teenager.

"This was the place where everybody came for their first date, their evening out," said Short. "You could come to the hardwarde store here. You could get your letter jacket here. It was the business community for the neighborhood."

Short says the area deteriorated though. Properties became vacant, and crime increased.

"It changed dramatically. It was sad," explained Short.

So Short and other business owners joined forces and began the long process to rezone Englewood as an Arts District. The group tackled many areas of improvement, including a single screen theater that sat vacant for the past few years.

"We'd love to have music obviously, performances," said Short. "And we'd love to have the theater open again."

Short says several galleries have opened along Winner Road. One appliance repair shop, Frick Electronic Appliance, even opened a art gallery on their first floor, while repairing televisions in the basement.

April Gerlt owns Frick. She says the art world is great for her business.

"It starts at the front door. They are very surprised they are in a television repair facility," sais Gerlt. "It's a great opportunity to start up a conversation and build a partnership."

Another partnership that was strengthened Tuesday night, was that of the city of Independence, and the Englewood Business Association. The planning commission voted to rezone the district. The city council must still approve the recommendation.

September 16th will be the next Art Walk Evening in the Englewood neighborhood.