INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — As frustrations continue to mount over dangerous buildings in Independence, city officials say they are focused on the community concern.
Some residents in the city feel vacant homes and buildings are causing problems in their neighborhoods.
For years, the city has worked to clean up unsafe and dangerous buildings. In the last year, the city has demolished 34 dangerous buildings, exceeding its goal of 20 buildings for fiscal year 2018-19.
MORE: See before-and-after photos of once-blighted areas in Independence
Earlier this year, residents who live near the old Monty Parker Printing building on West Lexington Avenue applauded the city’s efforts to eliminate an eyesore.
Neighbors recognize the city’s progress, but some feel it’s not happening fast enough.
“We understand the citizens' frustration regarding blight and dangerous buildings in our community, and since 2016, we have made significant changes to address this concern,” city spokeswoman Meg Lewis said in a statement.
Lewis said that in 2016, the city only dedicated $50,000 and less than one full-time employee to focusing on dangerous buildings. She said abatement of a building took 120 days to complete, on average.
"Since then, we have increased funding to $200,000, added a full-time employee, and lowered the average abatement closure time to just 40 days,” she said.
In recent years, the city was heavily focused on East Salisbury Road, where the Beauty Rest Motel was once located. The city told 41 Action News the now-permanently closed motel was a hot spot for crime, drugs and prostitution.
After acquiring the land for $80,000, the city tore the motel down, and developers built three new single-family homes in its place.
City officials say anyone living near a blighted home can report issues to the Neighborhood Services Division at 816-325-7193. Officers will respond within two business days. If someone witnesses a break-in or other criminal activity, the city says to call 911.
City officials are currently operating with a list of 120-130 active dangerous building cases and 70-100 unsafe building cases.
