Developer Jim Harpool, president of Dial Realty, and attorney Dick King told Independence City Council on Monday theproposal would be akin to what happens in other business areas like the Noland Road Community Improvement District, where a special tax assessment pays for improvements within the boundaries of the district.

'This is essentially Hartman Heritage Park,' King said. 'All business property will be assessed up to 35 cents per finished square foot,' King said.

The proposal would create a system, complete with a board of directors elected by the business owners in the district, in which the special tax would pay for upkeep of landscaping and right-of-way in the district.

'A portion of the proceeds would go to promote economic growth in the area,' King said.

Harpool said he spends a lot of money on landscaping along Jackson Drive, between $100,000 and $150,000 in the area that he wants to turn into a CID.

The creatin of new trails and parks will mean continued upkeep in Hartman Heritage Center, he said.Hartman Heritage Center is a large tax increment financing project in the city.

The city has written clauses in most new TIF agreements to direct money toward community improvement in the older parts of town.

Creation of a community improvement district at Hartman Heritage Center would set a precedent.

City Manager Larry Blick said he recommended the council also look at creating a CID in other developments to keep the appearances up to the standards they were built.

Creation of such a district takes the approval of the city council.

The issue is expected to be on a future council agenda.