The Manhattan City Commission unanimously supported the first reading of an ordinance for a long-term downtown development plan.
The Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan is a 25-year vision for policy and development in the downtown area, replacing the current plan adopted in 2000. It will serve as a guide for future housing, zoning and commercial activity in the district. Tuesday’s action amends the current Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioners were all in support of how flexible the plan is.
“It’s not prescriptive but it’s kind of more imaginative and kind of emphasizing the importance of taking every individual project in context when that time comes. I think it’s really important to highlight that,” said Commissioner Peter Oppelt.
Mayor Wynn Butler says he thinks the proposed plan will be able to be amended in the future, in order to account for unforeseen challenges.
“It’s a process that will change over time and adapt. It’s got the flexibility to go with whatever happens to come up,” he said.
Commissioners were generally supportive of the overall plan, but shared some skepticism over some details of the plan, including the potential for riverfront redevelopment.
“We have to make sure that we have in the back of our minds when we go forward with this spot or that spot. We’ve had a lot of people enthusiastic about having something along the river and there have been too many issues,” said Commissioner Karen McCulloh.
Mayor Butler also says he believes riverfront development isn’t realistic.
“This riverfront thing is troubling. That concrete plant is there and a lot of people in that neighborhood would be more interested in just re-routing the trucks and if a plan should change the railroad crossing so the trucks aren’t driving through the residential area,” he said.
Butler additionally said Tuesday he would not favor closing Poyntz to create a permanent pedestrian plaza after hearing feedback from some business owners in the area. The plan includes a concept that looks at that option, though Commissioner Oppelt says the language is intentionally vague on any future concepts.
The city saved money by not hiring a consultant for the downtown plan, opting instead to conduct it all internally.
In two weeks, the item will come back for a second reading and the city will look to adopt it outright at that point.
City commissioners will not meet May 14, as the work session has been canceled. The next city commission meeting is set for 6 p.m. on May 21.
