INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - A vacant school in Independence could get some new life. But neighbors are saying no thanks to the plan.
The Garrison Companies wants to tear down the old Anderson Elementary School. The building at 9701 E. 35th St., has been empty for 10 years.
Gary Hassenflu, president of Garrison Companies, said they plan to build several two and three story apartment complexes on the property.
Neighbors are against the proposal.
"We don't want to be invaded by 120 people,” says David Crawford who lives two houses down from the old school.
The neighbors are worried about the problems an apartment complex might bring.
“I think it will bring crime. The ones he's proposing, there isn't even adequate parking for each unit and that would create parking along 35th Street,” says Kathleen Wyatt.
A couple dozen neighbors signed a “legal protest petition” asking the city to deny Garrison’s rezoning request.
Hassenflu believes the apartment complex will improve the neighborhood by getting rid of blight.
"It's a substantial investment. We'll be spending more per unit than a lot of homes are even worth in that area. So we think it will be an enhancement,” says Hassenflu.
Last week the Independence Planning Commission said no to the rezoning request.
The city will take up the issue on Dec. 7 during a public hearing.
