The first reading of an ordinance for a project near the intersection of Claflin Road and Hylton Heights Road received approval from the Manhattan city commission on Tuesday night during their regular legislative session in city hall.
The ordinance would rezone the proposed Noor Residence PUD from single family to a mixed-use planned development. This is the second time the commission considered the ordinance as initial concerns on issues such as parking sent the proposal back to the planning committee. Developers have dropped plans for a coffee shop within the proposed building, and have outlined the transitional living residence placed near the new Islamic Mosque.
Several concerned citizens voiced their disapproval of the ordinance. One speaker from a nearby residence called the transition of the zone to allow the development as “commercial creep”, and expressed concern that further rezonings will take place in the future. Parking, the height of the building, and traffic concerns were amongst the issues brought up by concerned citizens from the area in question. Some of the concerned citizens included Gwyn Riffel, Mary Molt, and Ben Eckart.
After the arguments were made the commission voted to pass the first reading on a vote of 4 to 1 with commissioner Wynn Butler casting the dissenting vote.
The commission moved on to the first reading of an ordinance meant accommodate a new administrative building and warehouse for the Leiszler Oil Company. This issue was less contentious, and commissioner Wynn Butler quipped “there are no neighbors upset about this one”. This proposal passed unanimously after some debate over the lack of sidewalks in the proposal.
The final general agenda item concerned the 2016 Manhattan and K-State special project funds requests. Some of the items included in the request were in reference to making Forum Hall more accessible to disabled persons, and the construction of a sidewalk on a heavily trafficked path near Sunset Avenue. The funds request received unanimous approval from the commission.
During the public comment portion of the commission meeting Paula Fullwood came forward to ask for help in appealing property tax issues with her home. Fullwood says her basement and recently enclosed porch are being inappropriately designated by Riley County appraisers, and causing issues with her current taxes. Mayor Karen McCulloh advised Fullwood to take the issue before the Riley County commission as the city does not define the property for taxation purposes. Fullwood expressed frustration with the process, and continues her search for answers on the topic.
