The recent announcement of the new business park in eastern Independence has created a number of questions from the public, and I thought I would take some time to address some of the calls we’ve had to our office relating to the project.
Q: When we will see signs of construction and activity for this project?
A: Due to economic conditions that have impacted the commercial real estate market, the days of building something on speculation may be far behind us. At this time, we are working with the developer and broker to market the park to prospective companies. Those companies may be new to the area, but we’ll also be talking to local growing companies that may have the need to expand or build new facilities. Either way, the construction of new buildings and infrastructure to serve them is a long-term proposition, but once users are identified, the ability to make capital investment for infrastructure is more feasible and financeable.
Q: Doesn’t a business park need to be along a major interstate?
A: That really depends on what kind of business park you are trying to create and who your targeted users are. Some of the biggest business parks in our metro are very visible landmarks with large buildings. Most of those are along interstates and are mainly geared toward warehousing and distribution, which need the easy access to transportation routes.
In Independence, we have excellent existing warehousing and distribution centers in the underground spaces such as Space Center. The goal is not to compete with those but to instead provide a more cost effective location than what a prime location along a major interstate would offer. A majority of prospective users are manufacturers that do not have a large number of incoming or outgoing shipments. The new Little Blue Parkway will provide improved access to the site for inbound and outbound shipments as well as the ability to get employees in and out of the area. We should also remember that one of the largest employers in Jackson County, Alliant TechSystems, is just across Missouri 7 and have found this location to be very productive for them and their 2,600 employees.
Q: Does the new business park benefit the local school districts?
A: The Independence Business Park will actually benefit two school districts as it lies within both the Independence and Fort Osage school districts. Both districts will ultimately see the benefit of an increased tax base as the land is developed from its current agricultural state to commercial use, which is taxed at a much higher rate.
Any additional questions regarding the new business park can be directed to the Independence EDC office by calling 816-252-5777 or by e-mail at tlesnak@inedc.biz.
