The City of Independence has ramped up its development efforts in a big way. Here’s a look at the latest updates.
Infrastructure
In 2023, Independence capitalized on grant funding through the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to extend sidewalks along the western side of Rockside Woods Boulevard, North.
“The sidewalks provide a vital link between many of the city’s major tenants and the retail businesses they wish to support,” says Jessica Hyser, Economic Development Director for the City of Independence.
Additionally, Independence implemented the first phase of its wayfinding program in 2023 by installing color-coded banners along Rockside Road to help those unfamiliar with Independence with navigation.
“Look for the city to continue to build out this helpful tool as it continues to invest in infrastructure and the business community,” Hyser says.
Police
The Independence Police Department recently invested in new camera technology.
The department installed a closed circuit television blue light camera at Brecksville and Chestnut roads and another at Brecksville Road and Selig Drive.
“Those cameras run 24/7 live footage, and we can go back three days in case there’s an incident,” says Police Chief Robert Butler. “The technology works cooperatively to provide a clearer picture of what could be going on.”
Further assisting the police force in presenting the full picture, each officer has been equipped with a Getac body camera to record their interactions.
“We use that for training capabilities and for the protection of the officers and everyone they come into contact with,” Butler says.
Fire
The Independence Fire Department also honed in on the latest technology with the purchase of a new drone, supplementing the drone program already in place.
“This drone’s basic premise is to do inside-type activities or fly through tight spaces like wreckage — something the other drone couldn’t do,” says Fire Chief Steven Rega. “It is meant for search and rescue operations.”
The new drone also features virtual reality goggles so operators can fly it with a firsthand view of what’s happening.
