Noland Road has been a major north/south arterial corridor in Independence since the 1960s when the I-70 interchange was built. The corridor developed as one of the metropolitan’s premier locations to purchase new automobiles. With many of the national auto dealers represented on Noland Road, a portion of the corridor was branded as “The Miracle Mile.” The series of automotive dealerships along both sides of Noland Road have created a strong legacy and synergy where additional automotive related uses want to grow and remain.
The recent UDO change to an auto repair use requiring a 750-foot separation from other auto related uses could negatively impact the synergy along the Miracle Mile. Page 2 The proposed UDO amendment would remove the 750-foot separation requirement for auto repair uses only within the Miracle Mile area, roughly 33rd Street to Aberdeen Street. The other standards of the auto repair requirements would still apply to those uses. The attached exhibit includes the proposed changes to Section 14-418-12 of the UDO. The Miracle Mile remains a critical part of the success of Noland Road and the community.
The proposed amendment will better serve our community and allow the City to regulate and these uses.
Draft Planning Commission minutes:
"Case 24-175-01 – UDO Amendment #64 – Auto Repair
Staff Presentation
Rick Arroyo stated Noland Road has been a major north/south arterial corridor in Independence since the 1960s when the I-70 interchange was built. The corridor developed as one of the metropolitan’s premier locations to purchase new automobiles. With many of the national auto dealers represented on Noland Road, a portion of the corridor was branded as “The Miracle Mile.”
Mr. Arroyo noted the series of automotive dealerships along both sides of Noland Road have created a strong legacy and synergy where additional automotive related uses want to grow and remain. The recent UDO change to an auto repair use requiring a 750-foot separation from other auto related uses could negatively impact the synergy along the Miracle Mile.
Mr. Arroyo said the proposed UDO amendment would remove the 750-foot separation requirement for auto repair uses only within the Miracle Mile area, roughly 33rd Street to Aberdeen Street. The other standards of the automotive code approved recently would still remain in place. The Miracle Mile remains a critical part of the success of Noland Road and the community. The proposed amendment will better serve our community and allow the City to regulate and these uses.
In response to Commissioner Ashbaugh’s question, Mr. Arroyo stated the intent of the original ordinance was to prevent multiple auto uses along the major corridors. He said this will correct the intent of the ordinance and allow the Miracle Mile to continue to have auto uses in close proximity.
In response to Commissioner L. Wiley’s question, Mr. Arroyo clarified that new car lots were excluded from the original ordinance.
In response to Commissioner Nesbitt’s question, Mr. Arroyo stated Cable Dahmer was looking to add an off-site collision center and the original ordinance prevents them from doing so.
Public Comments
Robert Merritt, 1600 SE Dalton Drive, Lee’s Summit, stated Cable Dahmer has a lot of real estate on Noland Road and were surprised to find this very restrictive ordinance was approved. He explained that Cable Dahmer would like to open a body shop and this amendment would allow this opportunity. Mr. Merritt said he would like this amendment to be expanded to also include used car lots.
Motion
Commissioner Nesbitt made a motion to approve Case 24-175-01 – UDO Amendment #64 – Auto Repair. Commissioner Ferguson seconded the motion. The motion was approved with six affirmative votes."