Local officials will soon be considering annexation of a portion of the Green Valley area into Manhattan as part of the Scorpion Biological Systems development planned near Hwy 24 and Excel Road.
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Daryn Soldan presented a timeline that includes the City of Manhattan planning to consider a resolution at its June 21 meeting.
Commission Chair Pat Weixelman asserted that Pottawatomie County won’t be railroaded into agreeing to any annexation decision without some information that spells out revenue projections.
Assuming the City of Manhattan passes its resolution next week, Pottawatomie County will have 30 days to consider the annexation request. It’s anticipated a final plat for Scorpion could be in place by September.
Residents urge action on Elm Slough Road
Residents living along Elm Slough Road, northwest of Wamego pressed Pottawatomie County commissioners Monday to proceed with improving the overall safety of the road.
Urban growth has led to more accidents in the area, prompting more calls for the county to pave a portion of the road, from Hwy 99 west to Flint Rock Road. Resident Ryan Hargitt presented some of the shared concerns from residents, frustrated with the prolonged process.
The Manhattan Mercury has previously reported an estimated 450 to 500 cars travel the road. Many aren’t obeying posted speed limits and some feel the 45 mile per hour speed limit is too high given the road’s narrow width and hills. Commission Chair Pat Weixelman says residents’ concerns are not falling on deaf ears.
A number of things have delayed the project over the years from the discovery of underground water lines and a gas line to one landowner’s prior disagreement with the former Public Works Administrator. The county estimates projected costs with improving Elm Slough to likely be over $3 million.
No timetable has been given for when any potential upgrades could be made. Several concerns were brought up during the meeting of cars exceeding speed limits, sometimes traveling 60 to 70 mph along the road. Many local residents see it as a major safety concern for teenage drivers, especially amid rapid growth occurring along the Highway 24 corridor.
