Council approves $2.6 million Independence Square streetscape project amid public questions about TIF spending
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Summary
Council approved an infrastructure and streetscape project for Independence Square, funded partially by grant dollars and local contributions; a public commenter questioned why the city's TIF had not paid for previously promised improvements.
The Independence City Council on April 21 approved item number 2, authorizing more than $2.6 million for streetscape and underlying infrastructure work on Independence Square. The measure passed 7-0.
During public comment Becky Hake raised questions about the project’s funding and the performance of the Independence Square Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, saying the TIF — established in December 2013 — had contributed little to visible streetscape work and asking why city funds were being used while TIF funds sit unused. “In the past 11 years, all that can be found completed is some windows painted and a few facades on buildings redone,” Hake said, adding that she found a TIF expenditure of $4,620 listed in the last report she reviewed.
Council member McCandless and other council members responded with project details and program context. McCandless described the current work as infrastructure replacement — including excavation to replace century-old pipes — rather than only decorative planting, and said federal grant funds are available for the exploratory and repair work. A staff member told the council the funding stream McCandless referenced comes from legislation approved by the United States Congress and signed by the president; council members noted the county voted the same day to approve right-of-entry for the work and acknowledged help from Congressman Cleaver in securing federal funds.
City staff and council members said the TIF for the square has a structure that prioritizes building owners’ façade grants: council discussion noted that, by covenant, the TIF dedicates a large portion of increment funds to façade improvements, with a smaller share available for public realm projects such as sidewalks and streetscape work. Council member McCandless cited examples of façade work that has received TIF support, including one property with a $70,000 façade grant application.
Council members framed the vote as part of a multiyear capital and grant plan. After discussion, the council moved, seconded and approved item number 2. The clerk recorded unanimous support from Council member Fears; Council member Perkins; Council member Stewart; Council member McCandless; Council member Wylie; Council member Vaught; and Mayor Roland.
The approved work includes base excavation and infrastructure replacement on the square to address failing pipes and public-works needs; staff described the expense as eligible for partial reimbursement through grants. County right-of-entry and federal funding support were confirmed during the meeting; the motion commits the local share and authorizes staff to proceed with the project steps outlined in the agenda material.
