If you drove down 24 Highway in Independence six months ago, you might have noticed an abandoned mechanic shop. It's windows broken, paint peeling off its walls.
But today, it almost looks like a different building.
"It's much cleaner now," said Noble Maynard, who lives down the street.
The city of Independence cleaned up the building as part of it's "Corridor Code Enforcement Program."
In December, 41 Action News joined city code inspectors as they went building to building checking properties for violations as part of the new initiative.
Inspectors identified blighted and dangerous properties along the corridor as well as issued property owners notices for violations. Owners had 15 days to correct the problem or could ask the city for an extension. Any violations ignored were fixed by the city.
"A lot of the improvements, I would say a majority of them, have come from the property owners. Voluntary compliance," said Mike Jackson, assistant community development director for the city of Independence.
Code Initiative Numbers:
- 140 formal cases initiated
- 35 tickets issued
- 15 properties cleaned by city
- 2 dangerous buildings demolished by city
- 2 dangerous buildings in process of being demolished
According to Jackson, before this initiative, the city operated in a "reactive" way when it came to complaints. Investigating code violations only when it was reported to the city.
Now, he said, the city is taking a pro-active approach.
"We feel like this is the best place to start with this initiative. Take care of the high visible areas first and go out by there," Jackson said.
Independence plans on expanding the corridor code enforcement program in the spring by concentrating on 40 Highway. However, inspectors will still continue to monitor properties along Highway 24.
