Independence, Mo. – On Tuesday, Independence voters demonstrated strong community support for preserving the city’s heritage by approving a $20 million bond measure. The bond, which required a four‑sevenths majority (57.1%) to pass, received an impressive 68.6% of the vote.
Historic sites set for long‑deferred renovations
The bond will fund critical repairs and upgrades at five city‑owned historic properties: the Vaile Mansion, the Bingham‑Waggoner Estate, the 1827 Log Courthouse, the Truman Memorial Building, and Old Fire Station Number 1. A tentative allocation released to the council in mid‑October earmarks more than $6.6 million for the Bingham‑Waggoner Estate, nearly $4 million for the Vaile Mansion, over $1 million for the Truman Memorial Building, roughly $985,000 for the fire station, and nearly $750,000 for the log courthouse.
“We are so thankful to the people of Independence that voted yes,” said Pam Fulmer, a 16‑year volunteer at the Vaile Mansion. “I can’t put it into words—excited, overwhelmed, finally, it’s everything we’ve been wanting.”
Broad citywide backing
Every Independence precinct that cast at least two ballots supported the measure, underscoring the community’s collective commitment to its cultural assets. City Council Member Cody Atkinson called the vote “a decisive choice by Independence residents to make sure this piece of our history continues to be a part of our future and something we can rally behind economically and as a community.”
Volunteer Brent Schondelmeyer, who helped lead the Committee for Independence’s Historic Sites campaign, added, “The results showed real affection and love for these historic sites, which are civic and cultural assets. The bond approval will save them for future generations.”
Community reaction to outside proposals
Earlier this year, a consultant’s report suggested selling the historic properties to private investors, a recommendation that sparked strong opposition. “The community had a severe reaction when outside consultants suggested we could sell them for a dollar,” Schondelmeyer recalled. Atkinson dismissed the idea as a non‑starter, noting that Independence is not a larger metropolis like St. Louis and that the suggestion made no sense for the city’s unique heritage.
“That proposal stirred a fire in me to make sure we got this done,” Atkinson said, emphasizing the community’s resolve to protect its landmarks.
Funding and timeline
The bond will be repaid through property taxes over the next 20 years. While the bonds must first be issued and sold, work on the sites is expected to begin in mid‑2027 or later, once financing is secured.
Independence voters previously rejected a similar historic‑site bond in April 2024, but the current measure succeeded after extensive outreach and education about the cultural and economic benefits of preserving these landmarks.
Why preservation matters
Atkinson highlighted the personal connections residents have with the sites: “You hear about first dates, weddings, family outings—these places are where grandparents took their grandchildren. They are a deep part of our city’s heritage and set Independence apart.”
Local business owners also see the bond as an economic boost. “Nobody has the Bingham and Vaile mansions,” Atkinson noted, pointing to the potential for heritage tourism and increased patronage of nearby small businesses.
With the bond now approved, Independence can move forward on a path that safeguards its historic treasures while fostering community pride and economic vitality for years to come.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
