Anita Yates, Neighborhood Services Coordinator/Tax Abatement Administrator, city of Independence
1 Explain the 353 Tax Abatement Plan. The Fairmount-Carlisle 353 Tax Abatement Plan is designed to encourage revitalization and restoration of neighborhoods and commercial corridors in the northwestern portion of Independence.Last year, there were a total of 38 properties that received abatement, totaling over $1.3 million dollars in investments. In addition, there are an additional 62 properties in the program totaling over $400,000 of investment.
2 How does the 353 affect the quality of life in western Independence? There is a two-fold benefit in this program. Not only does it improve and beautify the surrounding neighborhoods by upgrading the housing stock and enhancing pride in ownership, it also provides a financial benefit to the homeowner as well.
3 Briefly explain the Great Northwest Initiative. The Great Northwest Independence Neighborhood Initiative is a planning process whereby residents of the First District created a vision for their area, to ensure that these neighborhoods are great places to live, work and raise a family.
4 How would you describe the Great Northwest Initiative process in meeting with the residents of five different subgroups? The residents are very passionate about their communities and are also very informed. They are all very positive about improvements in the area, especially the school district and the tax abatement program and they are also very hopeful about the future.
5 In the end what should we expect from the initiative? The GNWINI is a stepping stone towards neighborhood organization and enhanced communication between neighborhood residents and the City. The process was extremely beneficial and resulted in the creation of five action plans and action steps for each neighborhood group. There were also four districtwide priorities identified.
