Jackson County proposes changes to Independence Square parking after $3.7 million project

A 335-foot stretch of roadway in Independence has become a point of contention between neighboring businesses and Jackson County. The dispute centers on a newly released plan that reverses infrastructure recently completed as part of a multi-million dollar streetscape project. The area in question is located near the historic Truman Courthouse, whose front entrance faces Lexington Avenue, a road the county stated it owns.

The City of Independence recently restructured the roadway to incorporate bike lanes and parallel parking around Independence Square. This Phase 1 project cost the city $3.7 million to complete, with $3 million of that total coming from a federal grant. Local officials reported that the improvements have made the area more accessible for both cyclists and pedestrians. Jeff Rogers, the executive director of the Independence Square Association, noted that businesses in the area have observed an increase in customer traffic since the changes were implemented.

Despite the reported benefits, Jackson County Executive LeVota announced plans to alter the design. LeVota stated that he has received numerous complaints during his tenure regarding the parking configuration. He argued that the current design does not provide sufficient accessibility for the courthouse. "This is about accessibility. It is about common sense," LeVota said. "I don't believe the full impact of that design was thought through."

Rogers expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that most local businesses felt blindsided by the news. He disagreed with the county's assessment of the parking situation, noting that there are plenty of accessible spaces available. "It's a lot bigger issue than just painting some new stripes on the ground," Rogers said. He pointed out that the opposite side of the street features nose-in parking, suggesting that parallel parking on the courthouse side is not the only available option.

The county intends to repaint the diagonal parking spaces rather than maintaining the parallel configuration. LeVota indicated that the county is assuming the $25,000 financial responsibility for the changes. He emphasized that the county has the right to modify its section of the road without affecting city-owned land and hopes for continued collaboration between the two entities. LeVota added, "I want to do this as soon as possible."

The City of Independence issued a statement expressing concern that changes to the original plan could impact the federal grant funding, thereby affecting taxpayers. The city stated it cannot support the county's proposal until outstanding legal, technical, and financial questions are resolved. The statement highlighted that the streetscape improvements represent a significant public investment, and any modifications must not create unnecessary financial liabilities for Independence taxpayers.

The city also referenced correspondence from the Missouri Department of Transportation regarding potential financial consequences if federal transportation grant requirements are not met. These consequences could include the repayment of project funds, the withholding of future payments, and negative impacts on the city's risk assessment for future funding opportunities. The city noted that while the applicability of these provisions to the county's specific proposal is under review, it has a responsibility to evaluate potential financial implications before allowing changes to proceed.

Economic data provided by the city suggests the current configuration is beneficial. Financial reports from the Independence Square Community Improvement District indicate that sales tax revenue increased approximately 65% in September 2026 compared to September 2025. From September 2025 through September 2026, monthly sales tax collections averaged 10% higher than the corresponding months in the previous year. The Square Association reported that recent months have produced some of the highest sales tax collections since the district was established in 2020.

The city also emphasized the need to consider the timing of the proposed changes. Business owners have expressed concerns about disruptions during the critical holiday shopping season. Additionally, a large Christmas market is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, where organizers intend to use the existing bicycle lane as part of the event. The city stressed that any construction should account for the potential disruption to businesses, visitors, and scheduled community events.

Accessibility remains a key consideration for the city, which noted that approximately 8.1% of Independence households do not have a vehicle available according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The city is not opposed to evaluating modifications but insists on careful consideration, appropriate authorization, and coordination among the parties involved. The city is asking Jackson County to allow necessary time to resolve outstanding questions before proceeding with construction or removing existing infrastructure.