Community Invited to Help Shape Future Improvements in Historic Fairmount Neighborhood
The City of Independence is moving forward with a major infrastructure project to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the historic Fairmount neighborhood and is inviting the community to share additional feedback.
This transformative project will revitalize the area, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike. The project area extends along Kentucky Road from Arlington Avenue to Ash Avenue and continues south along Ash Avenue to Cedar Avenue. Additional improvements are planned along the Fairmount Trail at the intersections of Arlington Street & Morrell Avenue and S. Hawthorne Avenue.
With a focus on accessibility and sustainability, the project includes sidewalk repairs, the addition of a new bicycle boulevard, a multi-purpose trail, and the resurfacing of the Fairmount Trail. Key intersections will be upgraded, and drainage infrastructure along Kentucky Road will be improved to support the neighborhood’s evolving needs.
Guided by community feedback gathered at an open house in April, the design now incorporates additional pedestrian-friendly features:
- New curbs and crossings at Ash Avenue & Lexington Avenue
- A speed hump to enhance school crossing safety at Kentucky Avenue & Cedar Avenue
- A retaining wall along Kentucky Road to protect sidewalks from excess runoff
Designed for seamless connectivity, the project will link to a planned pedestrian improvement initiative along US-24 Highway, further enhancing walkability and multimodal access. This project is made possible due to a $900,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program and a 20 percent matching grant funded through the City's Streets sales tax, demonstrating a strong commitment to revitalization, fiscal responsibility, and smart urban development.
The project design is nearing completion, with the following schedule:
- Public engagement – Summer 2025
- Final design – Fall 2025
- Construction – Expected to begin in Summer 2026
Public Engagement Opportunity
Residents are invited to learn more and provide input during a public open house on Thursday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fairmount Community Center (217 S. Cedar Avenue). This is another opportunity for community members to learn more, ask questions, and share input on the project's final plan.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Dickey
Project Engineer, Independence Municipal Services
📞 816-325-2253
📧 rdickey@indepmo.org