Commissioner’s discussed a new foyer design for the Peace Memorial Auditorium. Budget and plans for the project were discussed, with donations from the city, county, and private donors raising over $400,000. Commissioners approved the initial design of the foyer and gave authorization to elicit bids on the project.
Manhattan Senior Planner, Chad Bunger, presented an ordinance rezoning the Highlands at Grand Mere for further housing development. The development will extend housing on an additional 64 acres over the next few years and will extend Grand Mere Parkway closer to Marlatt avenue. Ground-work has already started on the site. Schultz Real Estate Development started on the ground-work this winter to allow time for it to recover in the spring. The first reading of the ordinance was approved 5-0.
The city commission also heard from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce on it’s annual updates for the year. Representatives from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Military Relations, and Economic Development committee all gave presentations on their activities.
One thing was clear from the Chamber’s update, Manhattan is growing. Through popular events and proper marketing exposure. Room-night hotel stays have increased greatly once again with an estimated 400,000 visitors coming to Manhattan this year.
Relations with Fort Riley are going well. In her update Military Community Liaison Janet Nichols says she stays busy working as a full time representative for Manhattan, attending all relevant Fort Riley events. Overall she said she’s impressed with how well the two communities work together and says doing what she does is a pleasure for her.
Economic Development is also on the rise and the Chamber of Commerce is working on ways to promote business in the area even further. The Economic Development cited Manhattan as an entrepreneurial hub with many startups launching in Manhattan’s business-friendly community.
