Commission advances 'Edge District' vision with nonbinding resolution

Hoteliers, commissioners question need for subsidized lodging

Future of fire station and public housing draws scrutiny

Wastewater treatment plant costs rise by $300,000

Commission debates $1 million contingency for utility bond

City secures funding for K-18 road repairs

Commission advances 'Edge District' vision with nonbinding resolution

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to approve a nonbinding resolution supporting the "Edge 3.0" district, a massive development proposal by the Kansas State University Foundation. The project, estimated at $294 million in total build, aims to develop land north of Kimball Avenue with new amenities including an indoor track facility, the "Champions Gate" hotel and commercial area, and expanded research facilities. Foundation President and CEO Greg Willems told commissioners the project requires public financing incentives, including STAR bonds and tax increment financing, to succeed; the resolution does not commit city funding but authorizes staff to continue negotiating and analyzing the financial viability of the district.

Hoteliers, commissioners question need for subsidized lodging

MANHATTAN, Kan. — During the discussion on the Edge District, significant debate centered on the proposal to use tax incentives to build a new hotel near the university. A commissioner expressed concern about market saturation, noting that local hotel occupancy hovers around 50%. Local hoteliers also voiced opposition during public comment, arguing that subsidized competition could harm existing businesses. Colin Noble, owner of Noble Hospitality, questioned the economic logic of adding inventory to a market with soft demand.

Future of fire station and public housing draws scrutiny

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A long-term vision map presented as part of the Edge District proposal sparked concern regarding the potential displacement of the fire station and public housing units along Kimball Avenue. A commissioner noted the map showed those assets replaced by new development, calling it a "red flag." Greg Willems, the Kansas State University Foundation president and CEO, clarified that the map represented a conceptual vision for 2035 and beyond, stating the foundation has "no design" on removing those properties currently. The commissioner urged the foundation to be clearer in future presentations to avoid causing community anxiety regarding workforce housing.

Wastewater treatment plant costs rise by $300,000

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the guaranteed maximum price for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Upgrade project, increasing the cost by approximately $300,000. Public works officials attributed the 1.4% increase to discrepancies found in bid packages for supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, integration and equipment specifications during a detailed review. Despite the increase, city staff noted the project remains within the lower end of the target budget range established during the 60% design phase.

Commission debates $1 million contingency for utility bond

MANHATTAN, Kan. — While approving the financing for the wastewater upgrades, a commissioner questioned the necessity of a $1 million reserve fund included in the $33 million bond issue. The commissioner described the contingency as "exceedingly large" and asked why such a buffer was needed if the design work was sound. City administration explained that building a 6% contingency into the financing is standard practice to avoid returning to bond counsel and incurring further costs should unforeseen issues arise during the complex construction project.

City secures funding for K-18 road repairs

MANHATTAN, Kan. — After a 16-year delay, the city approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to proceed with the mill and overlay of Fort Riley Boulevard, also known as K-18. The project, covering the stretch from Poliska Lane to Westwood Road, is funded by a $500,000 grant from the department's City Connecting Link Improvement Program, with the city contributing a $100,000 match. A city engineer noted the project was originally awarded in 2010 but faced repeated delays due to bridge construction and state budget cuts.

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