Urban Planning Board
Week of April 21, 2026
Planning board approves East Manhattan Gateway plan amendment
Pottawatomie County expected to adopt Manhattan land use plan
Planners clarify annexation triggers for county developers
New park land officially designated in Blue Township
City integrates updated FEMA floodplain maps into land use planning
Board debates transit-oriented development in growing corridors
City to pursue economic tool to measure long-term infrastructure costs
Planning board approves East Manhattan Gateway plan amendment
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board voted 4-1 Monday to approve an amendment to the city's Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map. The amendment, drafted in response to the East Manhattan Gateway vision process, extends future land use planning east of U.S. Highway 24. One board member cast the lone dissenting vote following a debate over infrastructure costs and the area's long-term potential for transit-oriented development.
Pottawatomie County expected to adopt Manhattan land use plan
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan city planners expressed optimism Monday regarding cross-county alignment on the East Manhattan Gateway changes and the potential for Pottawatomie County to adopt a corresponding land use map. The proposed alignment aims to guide growth and preserve future commercial and industrial opportunities along the shared corridor before potential annexation into Manhattan.
Planners clarify annexation triggers for county developers
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Developers in Pottawatomie County seeking Manhattan city services will need to undergo annexation and rezoning to comply with the newly updated Future Land Use Map. While developers can continue building under county zoning if their plans align with shared maps, city planners confirmed Monday that requesting municipal utilities automatically triggers discussions for annexation and adherence to the Manhattan Development Code.
New park land officially designated in Blue Township
MANHATTAN, Kan. - A Parks and Recreation land use designation was officially added to the center of Blue Township on the city's Future Land Use Map. The parcel was previously listed only as general preservation of open space. The updated designation formally sets the stage for future parkland development and municipal recreation in the eastern corridor.
City integrates updated FEMA floodplain maps into land use planning
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The newly approved Future Land Use Map incorporates updated floodplain and floodway designations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, replacing the city's 2015 data. While the update does not directly alter current land uses, city staff noted the map updates provide an essential reference for high-velocity water areas. The designations will help planners identify potential regulatory issues regarding future zoning, annexation and the provision of municipal services.
Board debates transit-oriented development in growing corridors
MANHATTAN, Kan. - During discussions on the Future Land Use Map, Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board members questioned whether newly planned areas would adequately support multimodal transportation and future bus routes. Senior planner Ben Chmiel noted that while current density in Blue Township does not support robust transit, the addition of medium-density residential and commercial nodes could create natural transit destinations. City staff indicated that transit-oriented development could be explored further during future neighborhood-specific area plans.
City to pursue economic tool to measure long-term infrastructure costs
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Addressing Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board concerns over the financial burden of extending infrastructure to new residential areas, city staff revealed plans to acquire a new economic analysis tool during the upcoming Comprehensive Plan review. The tool will help Manhattan calculate the long-term municipal costs of development, ensuring that future road and utility expansions maintain a balanced budget and promote an efficient pattern of growth for taxpayers.
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