City officials supportive of amended TIF plan for Midtown Aggieville project

Manhattan City Commissioners received an update Tuesday on the Midtown Development project in Aggieville and some new requests from Back 9 Development, the firm in charge of the project.

Back 9 is requesting a one year extension on the original development agreement to the middle of 2026, when construction is expected to be completed on the estimated $35 to $45 million project. President TJ Vilkanskas also is requesting an amendment to the tax increment financing plan to assist with a new proposed 108 room hotel and parking garage adjacent to the initial project.

Commissioners were generally supportive of the TIF amendment, with a majority favoring also to wait on extending the development agreement until the project is further along. Wynn Butler says he was pleased with how the TIF money would be utilized going forward under Back 9’s new proposal.

Commissioner John Matta agreed, saying the prospect of higher taxes because of the project is a misnomer.

Commissioner Linda Morse was supportive of the TIF amendment, but also shared some skepticism about giving public money toward a private sector project.

As for the extension on the development agreement, most on the commission weren’t in favor of extending that until the project is further along. Mayor Mark Hatesohl says even then, he would support potentially extending the agreement on a shorter term.

Some business owners and residents shared mixed thoughts on the project. Those in favor say it would benefit the local economy while those opposed feared rising rent and potential loss of business during construction. Some Aggieville business owners also brought forward worries about their businesses being relocated through industrial revenue bonds. Vilkanskas responded to those concerns.

Catalyst Piercing owner John Fitzgerald opposed the project saying he wants the remaining years on his lease at 1116 Laramie Street to be honored.

Commissioner Butler asked Vilkanskas if a business owner could potentially stand in the way of the project moving forward. Vilkanskas responded saying that is a possibility.

Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers said after hearing some direction from commissioners he plans to review the documents and bring back a finalized plan in the next 30 days. To amend the TIF plan, it will require a super majority of commissioners for passage — in this case all four commissioners.

(KMAN’s AJ Shaw and Brandon Peoples contributed to this story)

Back 9 Development’s Power Point presentation slides shared with the City Commission Tuesday are available below.