Manhattan – Week of May 26 2025
Aggieville Revitalization Funding; Unger Complex Rezoning; Little Kitten Townhomes Incentive; Animal Control Transfer Rejected; Amazon Facility Approved
Major Financial Commitment For Aggieville Revitalization Projects
Unger Complex Rezoning Approved Despite Neighborhood Opposition
City Approves Incentive District For Little Kitten Townhomes
Riley County Rejects Animal Control Transfer From City
Amazon To Establish Facility In Manhattan Business Park
1. Major Financial Commitment For Aggieville Revitalization Projects
The City Commission unanimously approved measures to fund the next phases of infrastructure improvements in Aggieville, including a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of over $7.8 million for work on Laramie Street and a portion of 12th Street. This is part of a larger, multi-year effort to upgrade Aggieville's aging infrastructure, including water lines dating back to 1910. The approved bond resolution combines financing for this new phase with a previous phase, totaling approximately $15.77 million when including contingencies and other fees. City officials and partners also highlighted the "Access Aggieville" campaign, a website and social media initiative designed to help businesses, residents, and visitors navigate construction and find parking, encouraging continued patronage of the district during the disruptions.
City of Manhattan
2. Unger Complex Rezoning Approved Despite Neighborhood Opposition
The Manhattan City Commission voted 4-1 to rezone the Unger Complex at 2323 Anderson Avenue from Business Commercial (BC) to High-Density Residential (RH), paving the way for a proposed 106-unit workforce housing project. The decision came after extensive public comment, with numerous residents from the surrounding single-family neighborhood expressing concerns about increased traffic, potential negative impacts on property values, and the general suitability of high-density housing in their area. Proponents, including the applicant and some commissioners, highlighted the city's need for more housing, particularly workforce and affordable options, and noted that the comprehensive plan allows for medium to high-density residential as a secondary use in the area currently designated for office/research. Mayor Karen McCullough cast the dissenting vote, citing concerns about spot zoning and its impact on established neighborhoods and the comprehensive land use plan. City staff clarified that while a specific project was proposed, the rezoning itself allows for any permitted use within the RH district, which could theoretically accommodate up to approximately 225 units, though other factors like parking and building coverage would likely reduce that number.
City of Manhattan
3. City Approves Incentive District For Little Kitten Townhomes
The City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the $9M LK Townhomes project. The project, led by Frontier Development Group, plans for 26 duplex units (40-44 new homes when combined with other sites) aimed at workforce housing on currently undeveloped lots along Little Kitten Avenue. The RHID provides a "pay as you go" incentive, for a maximum of 15 years or $1.95 million, to reimburse the developer for eligible project costs using the incremental increase in property tax revenue generated by the development. Supporters, including the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the project's potential to address the city's workforce housing shortage, utilize infill lots, and generate significant new tax revenue over time. A local resident expressed concerns about the project's impact on existing infrastructure and neighborhood traffic.
City of Manhattan
4. Riley County Rejects Animal Control Transfer From City
The Riley County Commission signaled its opposition to transferring Animal Control operations from the City of Manhattan to the Riley County Police Department (RCPD). During an extensive discussion, RCPD Director Brian Peete outlined numerous challenges and potential costs associated with the department absorbing the program, including the need for additional personnel, office space modifications potentially costing $120,000-$200,000, vehicle and equipment expenses, and unresolved policy issues regarding animal holding and medical care. Commissioners expressed concerns about the financial burden on county taxpayers, particularly those in rural areas, for a service currently managed by the city, and the legal complexities of RCPD operating a shelter service. Ultimately, the Commission directed the interim county counselor to draft a letter to the Law Board and the City of Manhattan stating their non-support for the transfer, citing the added costs, strains on RCPD resources, and unresolved facility and operational questions.
Riley County
5. Amazon To Establish Facility In Manhattan Business Park
An agreement for the sale of land in the city's business park to Amazon was approved as part of the consent agenda. Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the development, which is expected to be an Amazon warehouse facility, noting it will bring activity to the long-underutilized business park. The agreement includes a provision allowing the city to buy back the land at the sale price if Amazon does not build within three years.
City of Manhattan
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Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTLvKEpsPz0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTLvKEpsPz0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Sfmsjlpdc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk-NPNliUcc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Sfmsjlpdc
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