No it’s not an Orwellian invasion, but there are several new U.S. Cellular stealth antennas approved for installation near the top of the Bluemont Hotel.
Installation required the Manhattan city commission to amend the development plan in the area to accommodate the new fixtures during Tuesday’s commission meeting in city hall. According to city staff the antennas would bolster service within the Aggieville and Kansas State University main campus. Installation of another portion of the system is expected to be put in just north of the hotel, and requires power cabling under the alleyway at that location.
The antennas would be positioned along the top of the hotel, and officials say they will be camouflaged by false fronts painted to look like the surrounding building materials. The proposal passed muster with the commission, and moves forward in the process.
More residential zoning for single family residences were approved by the commission on the same night. The proposal would make it possible for developers to build 26 new single family units in the Grand Mere area. The plans were approved by the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board, and city staff.
