The City of Manhattan will spend close to $1 million to purchase land in the Green Valley area for a future fire station.
Commissioners agreed Tuesday to authorize city staff to purchase the property at 3830 Excel Road for just over $914,000. The city has no plans to move immediately into design or construction on a facility. Tuesday’s action secures the property as the city anticipates the eventual construction of the multimillion Scorpius Biomanufacturing facility.
Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers says if the fire station project never comes to fruition, he believes the city will have no problem getting its money back for the property.
The city is using over $895,000 in its MEDOFAB fund, with the remaining $18,000 plus to be funded from the 2023 half-cent sales tax. Commissioner Wynn Butler says it’s a good investment as the city anticipates future eastward expansion.
The commission also approved close to a $500,000 agreement with Overland Park-based Stantec Consulting Services for the East Manhattan Gateway Plan, authorizing the city staff also to solicit patrons to serve on advisory committee for the plan.