Manhattan local news summary

Commission approves Sunflower Flats affordable housing development

New development to house displaced Garden Grove residents

Developer to fund infrastructure improvements near Fifth and Pierre

City grants $310,000 for solar panels at new senior housing

Advisory board recommendations for 2026 community support funds accepted

Funding secured to continue Riley County Recovery Court operations

Commission approves $94,000 remodel of chambers

Comprehensive plan set for final adoption in December

County finalizes incentives for "Make My Move" remote worker program

Treasurer announces tax deadlines and new e-notice option

Commission approves Sunflower Flats affordable housing development

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize land transfer and development agreements with the Manhattan Housing Authority (MHA) for the Sunflower Flats project. Planned for the corner of Fifth and Pierre streets, the 62-unit development will provide affordable senior living facilities. The project involves transferring city-owned land to the MHA and includes a restricted covenant requiring the property to remain affordable housing. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026 with occupancy expected by early 2028.

New development to house displaced Garden Grove residents

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Sunflower Flats project was identified as the long-awaited solution for residents displaced by the 2018 flooding of the Garden Grove apartment complex. Aaron Estabrook, executive director of the housing authority, told commissioners that the project involves transferring federal rental subsidy contracts from the flood-prone Garden Grove site to the new downtown location. This transfer allows former residents and low-income seniors to utilize Section 8-style subsidies in a new, safe facility while allowing the former site to eventually become green space.

Developer to fund infrastructure improvements near Fifth and Pierre

MANHATTAN, Kan. - As part of the Sunflower Flats agreement, the project developer, Sunflower Flats Owner LP, will cover approximately $225,000 in public infrastructure improvements. The work includes burying power lines, paving the alleyway between Fourth and Fifth streets and reconfiguring the adjacent city parking lot. The developer will be responsible for the costs associated with the alley and parking lot rehabilitation, relieving the city of that financial burden.

City grants $310,000 for solar panels at new senior housing

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Commissioners approved a request from the Manhattan Housing Authority (MHA) for $310,000 to fund solar panels at the new Sunflower Flats development. The funding will be drawn from the Workforce Housing Sales Tax Fund. Aaron Estabrook, representing the MHA, explained that the request became necessary after federal tax incentives for solar installation were discontinued. The solar array is expected to generate approximately $19,000 in annual energy savings, which will offset operating costs for the building’s common areas.

Advisory board recommendations for 2026 community support funds accepted

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The commission voted unanimously to approve the 2026 funding recommendations from the Community Support Funds Advisory Board. The city will distribute $550,000 from the Special Alcohol Fund and roughly $645,000 from the Social Services Fund to various local non-profit agencies. The board received 15 applications for alcohol funds and 21 applications for social services funds, with total requests exceeding available dollars by approximately $144,000.

Funding secured to continue Riley County Recovery Court operations

MANHATTAN, Kan. - City administration confirmed that the Riley County Recovery Court has secured necessary funding to continue operations through 2025. Following an inquiry by a city commissioner regarding the loss of federal grants for the program, staff announced that $30,000 from the city’s opioid settlement funds will be allocated to support the court. The commission is scheduled to take formal action on this agreement at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Commission approves $94,000 remodel of chambers

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Riley County Commission voted unanimously to approve a contract with BHS Construction, Inc. for the remodeling of the commission chambers and offices. The project, valued at $94,423.70, includes carpet installation and cabinetry work. Officials estimate the renovations will be completed by mid-February 2025, with carpet delivery scheduled for early January.

Comprehensive plan set for final adoption in December

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The "Riley County Together" comprehensive plan is nearing its final stages, with adoption scheduled for Dec. 18. Planning Director Amanda Webb reported that the draft has been updated based on community feedback, including formatting changes and an expanded designated growth area west of the lake. Public hearings are scheduled with the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and the Riley County Planning Board prior to the commission's final vote.

County finalizes incentives for "Make My Move" remote worker program

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Planning Director Amanda Webb presented updates on the "Make My Move" grant program, designed to recruit 20 remote workers to relocate to Riley County. The program offers a $5,000 cash incentive funded by a state grant, along with noncash perks such as chamber of commerce event passes. The commission agreed that a special selection committee was unnecessary, authorizing county staff and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce to review applications to ensure candidates meet income and relocation requirements.

Treasurer announces tax deadlines and new e-notice option

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Riley County Treasurer Shilo Heger reported that 2025 tax statements have been mailed, with the first half of payment due by Dec. 22 to avoid penalties. Heger noted that unpaid taxes will accrue interest at an annual rate of 14 percent, or 15 percent for amounts over $10,000. The treasurer’s office is also introducing a new service allowing taxpayers to sign up for electronic notices to receive future statements via email.

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