Welcome to Independence!
With warm weather just around the corner, we’re getting even closer to the Best 4th of July Celebration around! This year’s theme is “There’s no place like home!”
To register for Independence’s 153rd 4th of July Parade, download the registration form.
“City Corner” by Steven Diers, City Manager of Independence
Greetings everyone, spring is almost here (so I’m told) and construction season is starting to take off. Here’s what happening in the City of Independence
20th Avenue Widening Project – City recently awarded the bid to widen 20th Avenue to River City Paving. This project will allow turning lanes in the area adjacent to the new Jr./Sr. High school to allow for increased traffic. The project should take only a few weeks to complete and traffic will be able to flow during construction. City received grant funds through the Federal Surface Transportation Program to assist in the project.
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program – The 2011 awarded Community Development Block Grant for rehabilitating existing housing stock continues with the bidding of three more homes. To date three homes have been completed with a total of at least ten homes planned for rehabilitation. The focus area for this grant is an area in the north central portion of the community. If you own and live in a home in this area of town and are interested in the program please let me know. Income guidelines apply and applicants must qualify to take part in the program.
Infrastructure/Pedestrian Safety/Trails – We have put a focus on not only improving the infrastructure in the community but the health of our citizens as well. City recently approved development of a street improvement plan which will help determine street construction and replacement which will be implemented over a multiple year period. Concerns over improving safe routes for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are all issues that we are working to improve. The city has received grant funding to implement the “Iowans Fit For Life”, which is designed to assist in making Independence a healthier place to live in many different facets.
Airport Master Plan & Zoning Updates – City is working towards updating the master plan for the airport. A number of upgrades have been completed to the facility over the years which has made airport able to accept larger aircraft as well as make it more desirable as a place to land for pilots. Updating the master plan allows the City to plan for future development of the airport and grounds for future needs
Comprehensive Plan update – One of our next major tasks will be updating the comprehensive plan for the City. This plan is the backbone of how the community plans to develop. The City Council will be considering approval of a proposal to update this plan which will take approximately 18 months to complete.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at City Hall at 319-334-2780 or by email: citymgr@indytel.com. Have a great day!
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