Riley County commissioners tabled a proposal to rezone over 50 acres of land by Tuttle Creek Lake from an agricultural district to commercial use.
The tract is a mix of grassland and wooded hillsides, situated north and west of Tuttle Creek Reservoir.
The land is owned by Drew and Amber Vennum of Manhattan. They’d like to develop the area as a lake side resort, complete with cabins, an all-terrain vehicle rental shop, event center with lodging, single family residence for the caretakers — which would be the Vennum family — an outdoor pizza oven and several camping areas.
Commissioners liked the project, but worried roads leading to the property are inadequate for increased traffic. There was also some opposition from neighbors, who were critical of the plan due to increased traffic and noise worries.
“I feel like we should be deferential toward property owners doing what they want on their property as long as it doesn’t bother their neighbors,” said Commissioner Ben Wilson.
Commissioner Marvin Rodriguez agreed with Wilson. He added that he understood sentiment from neighbors who said they enjoy the openness of the area.
“I kind of like progress, and I really understand what the neighbors are saying because I like the view,” Rodriguez said. “But I’m not sure that would be a total reason for me to say no.”
Seacrest Road, which leads to the land in question, is a gravel road.
“If it was on a paved road I would have no problem with the project,” Commissioner Chairman Ron Wells said. “The area it sits on isn’t necessarily all that agricultural, and it would bring in additional revenue.”
The board instructed the Vennums to work with Leon Hobson, the county’s public works director, to find a solution that addresses the county’s concerns and bring the proposal back to the commission.
