Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board Meeting
What you need to know:
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board approved a rezoning request for a 15.7-acre tract at the northeast corner of Kimball Avenue and College Avenue during its Oct. 20 meeting, clearing the way for mixed-use development as part of the Edge District expansion.
The board unanimously approved changing the zoning from University and College district to Mixed Use district for the Champions Gate development. The property, acquired by the KSU Real Estate Fund LLC in 2023, was previously used by Kansas State University for agricultural research and teaching. Board member Brad Buser, recused himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest as the applicant's representative through Anderson Knight Architects.
Barry Beagle, senior planner with community development, explained the site will accommodate future hotel, residential housing, restaurants and open space areas, including a central common area designed to resemble a football field. The development is part of the larger 500-acre Edge District, described as a collaboration hub for work, living and recreational activities near the K-State campus.
The board also approved amendments to the Manhattan Development Code correcting residential density tables that were inadvertently altered during previous simplification efforts. Assistant Director John Adam acknowledged a "copy and paste error" that had stripped away previously permitted densities in high-density residential districts. The amendments also allow non-owner occupied childcare homes for 12 or fewer children, with a 500-foot spacing requirement to prevent concentration.
Board members praised city staff for hosting the recent Kansas planning conference, which provided training opportunities for commissioners. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3.