Manhattan City Commission Summary
Week of October 7, 2026
Commission sets public hearings for proposed district incentives
Vote on Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan delayed until December
Sunset Cemetery and Sexton's House historic nominations approved
City approves $500,000 traffic signal project at Casement Road and Hayes Drive
Officials clarify structure of proposed street repair sales tax
Replat approved for 11th Street property despite neighborhood historic nomination
Downtown block closure approved for November 'Bacon Battle' event
City coordinates Kearney Street storm sewer design with future KDOT work
Citywide free Wi-Fi project reaches completion
Local nonprofit awarded $100,000 preservation grant
Commission sets public hearings for proposed district incentives
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city commission unanimously voted to set a Nov. 17 public hearing to consider a tax increment financing district, Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and a 1% community improvement district sales tax for the proposed Edge District at Kansas State University, a project being spearheaded by the KSU Foundation. The multimillion-dollar commercial and agriculture infrastructure project sparked significant debate over taxpayer risk. Concerns were raised during the meeting about using public funds for the private development and the long-term economic returns. However, proponents argued the development's private property, including proposed hotels and restaurants, will generate substantial new property and sales tax revenue that will help the city recoup its previous infrastructure investments in the Kimball Avenue corridor.
Vote on Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan delayed until December
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Citing regulatory and liability concerns, the commission voted 3-2 to table the adoption of the 233-page Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan until a Dec. 8 work session. Proponents of the delay argued the plan could inadvertently create a regulatory environment similar to a "citywide homeowners association" and establish burdensome standards for local contractors. Opponents of the delay argued that the document acts strictly as a voluntary, educational and strategic blueprint for preservation, rather than a binding ordinance.
Sunset Cemetery and Sexton's House historic nominations approved
MANHATTAN, Kan. — In a 4-1 vote, the commission authorized city staff to finalize and submit nominations for both the Sunset Cemetery and the Sexton's House to the state and national registers of historic places, while simultaneously petitioning the district court to quiet the title on the Sexton's House property. One commissioner cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the city should hold off on nominating the house for historic status until its title and ownership status are fully legally resolved in court.
City approves $500,000 traffic signal project at Casement Road and Hayes Drive
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a city-state agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to install new traffic signals and pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Casement Road and Hayes Drive. KDOT will fund 90% of the approximately $500,000 project. Public Works Director Brian Johnson noted the intersection has met signalization warrants for 10 years due to heavy commercial truck and bus traffic, but the project was intentionally delayed to accommodate recently completed levee construction. Design and easement work will take place in early 2027.
Officials clarify structure of proposed street repair sales tax
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Responding to public concerns regarding municipal debt limits, city officials clarified that the street maintenance sales tax initiative on the November ballot will operate strictly on a pay-as-you-go basis. If passed by voters, the city will complete road repair projects only as the sales tax revenue is collected. The city will not bond the projects or accumulate additional debt with interest payments to fund the street improvements.
Replat approved for 11th Street property despite neighborhood historic nomination
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission approved the final plat for the developer at 300 N. 11th St., despite citizen concerns about its impact on the pending East Park Neighborhood Historic District. A city planning official confirmed the replat simply dedicates an easement for building setbacks to maintain proper fire separation between structures. City Manager Danielle Dulin clarified that the neighborhood's recent application to the State Historic Preservation Office does not legally suspend the commission's consideration of the plat, and any future development will remain subject to standard zoning compliance.
Downtown block closure approved for November 'Bacon Battle' event
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A section of Fourth Street between Humboldt and Poyntz avenues will be closed for the inaugural "Bacon Battle" event hosted by Manhattan Brewing Co. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. While some commissioners questioned the protocol for closing a primary downtown conduit, city staff assured that the event application was heavily vetted by police, fire, public works and Downtown Manhattan Inc. The event is scheduled prior to the holiday shopping season and aims to drive consumer traffic to downtown businesses.
City coordinates Kearney Street storm sewer design with future KDOT work
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission approved a professional services agreement to begin design work on the Kearney Street storm sewer project, which aims to improve drainage near Tuttle Creek Boulevard. The design phase is being advanced to seamlessly integrate with the Kansas Department of Transportation's planned 2030 highway improvements. Public works officials noted that combining the local storm sewer upgrades with the state's infrastructure project will save the city money by utilizing a single work zone and contract, while also reducing future disruptions for drivers.
Citywide free Wi-Fi project reaches completion
MANHATTAN, Kan. — City officials announced the completion of an $830,000 public Wi-Fi initiative by WTC Fiber to establish free internet access at 124 locations throughout Manhattan and Riley County. The project was primarily funded through an Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) grant administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. The company was praised as a highly supportive community partner whose behind-the-scenes contributions have significantly boosted the city's technological infrastructure and expanded internet accessibility for residents.
Local nonprofit awarded $100,000 preservation grant
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills recently received a $100,000 Heritage Trust Fund grant through the Kansas Historical Society. City officials announced the state funding during Tuesday's meeting, noting the money will be directly used for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Yuma Street Cultural Center.
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