The Independence Planning Commission denied the plans for the temporary clubhouse in September. More information about the plans was put together to alleviate concerns of commissioners, and approval was granted for the newly submitted plans Tuesday night.

Attorney Roger Hershey,representing developer Limpus Properties, addressed concerns commissioners had at the previous meeting.

Hershey said the plans for the golf course were ahead of schedule and it is ready to be opened next spring. He said a permanent clubhouse could not be built right away, because of limestone mining directly underneath the site. The blasting from the mine could upset the foundation of the new clubhouse, so they want to wait a little while to build it. He added that there was plenty of precedent for new golf courses opening with a temporary clubhouse.

Hershey said the golf carts would be exposed to the elements, but would be replaced when the permanent building was constructed. He said lack of showers was not going to deter people from golfing, because many golfers head straight home afterward. He said all the concerns about adequate landscaping and appearance of the temporary facility would be addressed.

'Waiting is in nobody's best interest, including the city of Independence, because this is a (tax increment financing)project and opening the course early will generate tax revenues earlier,' said Hershey.

Commissioners voiced appreciation for the new information on the project and approved the plans by a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Al McInnis was absent.

Plans for a permanent clubhouse will be approved by commissioners at a later date. The development agreement calls for a clubhouse to be built by December 31, 2004.