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It’s official: Englewood is an arts district.
Applause from residents and business owners broke out Tuesday night following the Independence Planning Commission’s unanimous vote for the rezoning of the Englewood Business Association. The designation of 44 properties within the arts district marks the ending of a nearly three-year process that started with the opening of one art space – Green Dog Gallery – and a subsequent feasibility study.
But according to those who testified in favor of the city of Independence-led application, the “arts district” designation is just a formality as the area has already embraced the title with its two-year run of Third Friday Art Walks, multiple art galleries and revitalized commercial space.
“I just really feel like cheering right now. ... This is no whim,” said Staci Short, a longtime Independence resident and Englewood property owner. “It will validate, for the first time, what is going on in Englewood.”
Arts districts across the country, Short said, often beautify and animate cities, attract residents and tourists, provide employment opportunities and expand the tax base. Englewood has already achieved many of those objectives through “a clear focus,” she said. “We are living as an arts district right now.”
The arts district will allow new uses to take place within its jurisdiction, including artisan manufacturing and outdoor entertainment. Certain commercial uses, such as pawn shops, short-term loan, bail bonds and gun shops, will not be allowed, but any existing businesses like this in Englewood will be exempt from the new regulation. No one testified against the case during the public hearing.
Commission member Karen DeLuccie lauded about two dozen people in attendance who supported the project, some of whom grew up in the Englewood area and some who moved to the district just a decade ago.
“With all of your dedication, you don’t really need the city’s help,” DeLuccie said, “but it’s nice to have their encouragement and their money.”
According to a city staff report, Englewood was established in the 1920s as one of the region’s first street car suburbs. What was once a vibrant shopping area began to deteriorate and struggle after retail businesses moved to suburban malls, strip centers and box stores. Planning Commission Vice Chairman Pat Campbell remembers the vibrancy of the old Englewood since he grew up about four blocks away.
“I’m thrilled to death,” Campbell said. “Englewood was town of itself. Every weekend as a kid, we walked up to Englewood, and everyone would know each other. I’m so thrilled to see this, instead of it standing and deteriorating.”
What's going on
At the close of Tuesday night’s Independence Planning Commission meeting, Chairman Les Boatright asked city staff a question that is on many Independence residents’ minds: What is taking place at the intersection of 35th Street and Noland Road?
That location is being renovated with a new parking lot and a new building facade in preparation for the relocation of the Social Security office from 4240 S. Lee’s Summit Road.
It’s official: Englewood is an arts district.
Applause from residents and business owners broke out Tuesday night following the Independence Planning Commission’s unanimous vote for the rezoning of the Englewood Business Association. The designation of 44 properties within the arts district marks the ending of a nearly three-year process that started with the opening of one art space – Green Dog Gallery – and a subsequent feasibility study.
But according to those who testified in favor of the city of Independence-led application, the “arts district” designation is just a formality as the area has already embraced the title with its two-year run of Third Friday Art Walks, multiple art galleries and revitalized commercial space.
“I just really feel like cheering right now. ... This is no whim,” said Staci Short, a longtime Independence resident and Englewood property owner. “It will validate, for the first time, what is going on in Englewood.”
Arts districts across the country, Short said, often beautify and animate cities, attract residents and tourists, provide employment opportunities and expand the tax base. Englewood has already achieved many of those objectives through “a clear focus,” she said. “We are living as an arts district right now.”
The arts district will allow new uses to take place within its jurisdiction, including artisan manufacturing and outdoor entertainment. Certain commercial uses, such as pawn shops, short-term loan, bail bonds and gun shops, will not be allowed, but any existing businesses like this in Englewood will be exempt from the new regulation. No one testified against the case during the public hearing.
Commission member Karen DeLuccie lauded about two dozen people in attendance who supported the project, some of whom grew up in the Englewood area and some who moved to the district just a decade ago.
“With all of your dedication, you don’t really need the city’s help,” DeLuccie said, “but it’s nice to have their encouragement and their money.”
According to a city staff report, Englewood was established in the 1920s as one of the region’s first street car suburbs. What was once a vibrant shopping area began to deteriorate and struggle after retail businesses moved to suburban malls, strip centers and box stores. Planning Commission Vice Chairman Pat Campbell remembers the vibrancy of the old Englewood since he grew up about four blocks away.
“I’m thrilled to death,” Campbell said. “Englewood was town of itself. Every weekend as a kid, we walked up to Englewood, and everyone would know each other. I’m so thrilled to see this, instead of it standing and deteriorating.”
What's going on
At the close of Tuesday night’s Independence Planning Commission meeting, Chairman Les Boatright asked city staff a question that is on many Independence residents’ minds: What is taking place at the intersection of 35th Street and Noland Road?
That location is being renovated with a new parking lot and a new building facade in preparation for the relocation of the Social Security office from 4240 S. Lee’s Summit Road.
