Manhattan local news summary

Commission briefed on Edge District expansion, potential tax incentives

Appraiser’s Office to launch ‘Beacon’ property search portal Dec. 1

County attorney prepares for eminent domain in Keats sewer project

Big Lakes reports critical staffing shortages, lengthy state waitlists

BeAble Community Center updates commission on transitional housing program

Commission briefed on Edge District expansion, potential tax incentives

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During commissioner comments, the board discussed a recent presentation by Trent Armbrust of the K-State Foundation regarding the next phase of the Edge District. The development, located on the northwest corner of Kimball and College avenues, was recently rezoned from educational to commercial use and is slated to include a hotel, condos and restaurants, with construction beginning in 2026. Commissioners noted the project will likely utilize tax increment financing and industrial revenue bonds, meaning the new commercial properties will not immediately be on the tax rolls.

Appraiser’s Office to launch ‘Beacon’ property search portal Dec. 1

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Riley County Appraiser Anna Burson announced the launch of a new online property information portal, "Beacon," scheduled for Dec. 1. The platform, provided by Schneider Geospatial, will replace the county's current parcel search system and offers enhanced tools, including interactive GIS mapping, comparable sales reports and tax distribution charts. Burson noted the existing system will remain accessible through Dec. 30 to ensure a smooth transition for residents and real estate professionals.

County attorney prepares for eminent domain in Keats sewer project

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Riley County Counselor Jacob VanSchuyver informed the Riley County Commission that the county is preparing final documents to bid out the Keats sewer project. VanSchuyver noted that while the project is moving forward, the county will likely need to initiate eminent domain actions to secure necessary easements for sewer lines. He explained that most of these actions are necessary because property owners cannot be located, though he noted one individual is actively opposing the infrastructure installation.

Big Lakes reports critical staffing shortages, lengthy state waitlists

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Big Lakes Developmental Center President and CEO Lori Feldkamp presented an update highlighting severe systemic challenges in providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Feldkamp reported that the statewide funding waitlist has reached 4,739 people—including 123 in the local four-county catchment area—resulting in a wait time of over eight years. Locally, Big Lakes is struggling with a workforce crisis, currently operating with approximately 89 staff openings, which equates to about 40 full-time positions.

BeAble Community Center updates commission on transitional housing program

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Representatives from the BeAble Community Center, Scott Voos and Jared Garren, provided a progress report on their supportive housing initiative for men in recovery. Since launching in May, the program has housed 15 men across three renovated properties and recently celebrated its first graduate who transitioned into a year-long lease. Garren explained that the program focuses on men committed to sobriety and employment, utilizing a structured environment to help them reintegrate into the community.

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