Manhattan – Week of June 22 2025
Housing Incentive Rejected; Downtown Open-Container Zone; Overdose Spike Alert; New Bridge Study; Major Job Growth
Riley County Commission Rejects Housing Incentive District in Contentious Vote
Manhattan City Commission Approves Downtown Open-Container Zone on a Split 3-2 Vote
Spike in Suspected Overdoses Prompts Public Health Alert in Riley County
City and County to Fund Study for New Bridge Connecting Pottawatomie and Riley Counties
Major Job Growth Announced for Region; Amazon Facility Planned for Manhattan
1. Riley County Commission Rejects Housing Incentive District in Contentious Vote
The Riley County Commission voted to reject the establishment of a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the “Little Kitten” townhomes project, a decision that effectively halts the 26-unit development. The vote followed extensive and often tense public comment from developers, business leaders, and citizens. Proponents argued the incentive was crucial for building desperately needed workforce housing on lots that have sat vacant for 37 years, emphasizing that without the project, no new tax revenue would be generated. Commissioners, however, cited six adverse effects based on county policy, including loss of tax revenue, an undue burden on public services, and the project’s 15-year incentive period falling outside the county’s 10-year guideline. Commissioner Greg McKinley was critical of the project’s financials, questioning the $40,000 per-lot purchase price when the appraised value is $18,000 and arguing the $318,000 homes are unaffordable for the actual workforce. The decision came despite prior approvals from the Manhattan City Commission and the USD 383 School Board.
2. Manhattan City Commission Approves Downtown Open-Container Zone on a Split 3-2 Vote
The Manhattan City Commission approved the creation of a downtown “common consumption area,” which will permit patrons to carry and consume alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups on public streets and sidewalks within a designated boundary. The ordinance passed on a narrow 3-2 vote after a lengthy debate over its benefits and risks. The consumption area will operate from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with the city acting as the permit holder. Businesses with liquor licenses can pay an annual fee to participate, allowing customers to leave their premises with a drink. Commissioners Susan Adamchak and Karen McCulloh voted against the measure, raising concerns about placing the burden of age verification and enforcement on retail businesses that do not sell alcohol. Proponents, including Downtown Manhattan Inc. (DMI), argued the measure would enhance the downtown atmosphere, aligning Manhattan with other cities and providing a draw for events and tourism. The city plans to have the area operational by mid-July.
3. Spike in Suspected Overdoses Prompts Public Health Alert in Riley County
Riley County Health Department Director Diane Creek issued a public health alert after a significant increase in suspected overdose cases. During a five-week period from late April to May 31, local emergency rooms recorded 35 visits for suspected overdoses among patients aged 10 and older—more than double the expected number of 16 for that timeframe. The average age of these patients was 34, challenging the stereotype that overdoses are primarily a youth issue. In response, the health department is amplifying its efforts to prevent overdoses by promoting the availability of free naloxone at various “Save a Life” stations operated by the nonprofit TK Fights Fentanyl and at several public buildings. Officials also highlighted drug take-back days, medication lock boxes, and the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Creek noted the concerning data only reflect ER visits; the actual number of overdoses in the community could be higher.
4. City and County to Fund Study for New Bridge Connecting Pottawatomie and Riley Counties
Riley County and the City of Manhattan have formally agreed to move forward with funding a study for a potential new bridge across the river, connecting to Pottawatomie County. At its June 16 meeting, the Riley County Commission signed the funding agreement and a memorandum of understanding with the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization (FHMPO) and Pottawatomie County. A day later, the topic arose during public comment at the Manhattan City Commission meeting, where a citizen urged that a fourth bridge should be a “low priority” for the city unless city limits are significantly expanded into Pottawatomie County, questioning the expense for a bridge primarily for commuters.
5. Major Job Growth Announced for Region; Amazon Facility Planned for Manhattan
The region is poised for significant job growth, with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce announcing that nearly 500 jobs will be retained or created across several major projects. The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce reported to the Riley County Commission that Amazon plans to build a 70,000-square-foot facility in the business park near the airport—a project that will be fully on the tax rolls without additional incentives. Other key developments include 146 new jobs at the PTMW expansion in Pottawatomie County and the retention of jobs in Wamego after Solar Turbines, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, took over the shuttering Caterpillar facility.
Greg Loving
Sponsors (click me!)
SUBSCRIBE TO GET THE CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p6UyEamdBg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a0_RynSPy0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p6UyEamdBg
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a0_RynSPy0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f37qKFxweVU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p6UyEamdBg
GET THE CITIZEN JOURNAL APP - FREE!
Contact: greg@loql.ai
