Independence planning commission recommends approval of LA-2024-06 to incorporate Central Townage Plan

The Independence Planning Commission voted Dec. 2 to recommend approval of legislative amendment LA-2024-06, which amends the city’s comprehensive plan, development code and maps to incorporate the Central Townage Plan into future land-use and annexation decisions and adjust several zoning designations.

City planner Fred, who presented the staff report, told the commission the amendment is intended to make the Central Townage Plan an enforceable part of the city’s review framework. “My name is Fred. I’m the city planner here at the city of Independence,” he said, and outlined the packet locations for the proposed changes. Fred said the package includes a small future-land-use map change off Tallmadge Road to a Mixed Use designation and zoning updates near Sixteenth and Tallmadge and Falcon Loop to a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly commercial transitional zone and higher-density residential in areas already surrounded by multi-family development.

The changes also amend the development code to pull the Central Townage Plan into the annexation process so annexations within the plan area must be assessed for consistency with that plan. Fred noted a text cleanup and a footnote clarifying that stand-alone apartment buildings would be allowed in certain mixed-use pedestrian-friendly commercial zones provided they do not face major roads such as Monmouth Street. He described outreach as “extensive,” saying staff sent notices to every property in the Central Townage area, held open houses and posted materials online and in the newspaper.

Commissioners asked procedural and implementation questions, including when the project started and what the next steps are. Fred said the commission’s recommendation will go to the city council and that physical improvements identified in the plan — such as an eastern connection and mid-block pedestrian crossings — will require funding and additional actions. “This is a key next step,” he said, adding the city will pursue funds to achieve the plan’s physical improvements.

After closing the public hearing, the chair moved to recommend approval ‘‘as supported by the findings set forth in the staff report.’’ A commissioner seconded the motion; the commission voted by voice and the motion carried. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Independence City Council for its review and final decision.

What happens next: The commission’s recommendation begins the council review process. Staff and commissioners discussed pursuing project funding and potential infrastructure actions, but no specific funding approvals were made at the Dec. 2 meeting.