A West Anderson transportation expansion project was on the agenda at the Tuesday Manhattan City Commission meeting.
One much discussed topic surrounding the proposed 5.2 to 5.5 million dollar project was the inclusion of roundabouts over traffic lights as the flow of traffic changes. Mayor Karen Mcculloh spoke about safety benefits provided by roundabouts – as much of the commission echoed her endorsement.
Commissioners closed the meeting by approving the rezoning of Scenic Crossing near Kimball, also known Scenic Drive, and Anderson Avenues from a business park district to a single family residential district…two family residential district…and a neighborhood shopping district.
Presentations to city commission members included a look at whether or not properties are owner occupied or rented out. Commissioner Linda Morse questioned what would happen if a developer came in and suggested closing necessary streets to build larger properties as she contemplated her vote.
In the end commissioners approved the rezoning of 35 lots. The rezoning comes after project officials deemed that area’s original development no longer meets the needs of its population.
And maintaining a buffer zone from high density traffic…was among citizen concerns as City Commissioners considered rezoning 22 lots along Hunting avenue. Community member Karen Franz, who lives in the area of the rezone area, voiced her concerns with moving the buffer zone to the busy Sunset Avenue, while also taking the concerns of her neighbors into account as she spoke to commissioners.
Redevelopment incentives include off set parking and room for the higher density population near K-State and Aggieville.
The rezoning of the 22 lots was approved.
