An old Independence motel known for crime will finally come down, making way for a multi-million dollar development project.
The highly visible American Inn off Noland Road and I-70 is scheduled for demolition within the next few weeks.
The city is using $34 million to put in new businesses and stores in its place, while renovating the nearby strip mall that houses Price Chopper and Big Lots.
Independence Mayor Eileen Weir said demolition was critical, because the crime was impacting surrounding businesses.
"They were seeing a lot of threats to customers and threats to their business from activity that was happening here, so we went and sat down with business owners and said, what would it take for you to stay in Independence and invest? A lot of them cited this property as something that was a hindrance to them doing that," Weir said.
City leaders held a ceremony to celebrate the demolition at noon on Friday.
These 3 bldgs in front will replace American Inn, not sure which biz they'll be @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/kq0glKjSe2
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) September 9, 2016
Weir didn't know yet which businesses would move in, but said it's exciting because it'll give the city a better look.
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Sarah Plake can be reached at Sarah.Plake@KSHB.com
