INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Despite the demolition of nearly three dozen dangerous buildings in the last year, residents in Independence say there’s more to do.
Tanner McKenzie moved to Independence in May. His home sits near an alleyway that he said is experiencing unwelcome activity.
“It makes me nervous about keeping anything outside," McKenzie said. "All my tools, I keep locked up."
McKenzie said he installed security cameras in and around his home after someone tried to steal parts off a car he was working on in his driveway.
McKenzie and other neighbors feel vacant homes are causing problems in the neighborhood.
“Sometimes you’ll see lights and nobody’s even living in the house and it’s just creepy," resident Elisa Breitenbach said.
For years, the city has worked to clean up blight and dangerous homes.
And earlier this year, residents around the old Monty Parker Printing building on W. Lexington Avenue applauded the city’s efforts to eliminate an eyesore.
“Our Monty Parker story is a happy ending, and I do believe it’s because of you and channel 41, I do believe that," said Breitenbach.
It’s progress, but not fast enough for some.
The city of Independence told 41 Action News 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 said to call 911.
The city said it is currently operating with a list of 120-130 active dangerous building cases, and 70-100 unsafe building cases.
