Residents oppose high density rezoning near Unger Complex in quiet neighborhood

Residents of Manhattan, Kansas, voiced strong opposition to a proposed high-density housing project during the City Commission meeting on May 6, 2025. The discussion centered around the rezoning of the Unger Complex, with numerous community members expressing concerns about the potential impact on their quiet neighborhood.

Mary Chris Robertson, a local resident, highlighted the lack of services in the area, emphasizing that many residents would struggle to access basic necessities without adequate transportation. "How do you have a high-density residence in a place that has very few services around it?" she questioned, urging the commission to reconsider the project's location.

Sarah Silva, another long-time resident, echoed these sentiments, raising concerns about the cultural and historical significance of the neighborhood. She questioned why this site was chosen for high-density housing over other available lots closer to the campus, suggesting that the decision could negatively affect long-standing residents.

Amber Myers added to the chorus of dissent, warning that the project could harm property values and disrupt the peaceful nature of the community. "You're going to ruin our property values. You're going to ruin the aesthetics," she stated, calling the proposal a "money-making scheme" that does not serve the best interests of local families.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development plans and community preservation, as residents rallied together to protect their neighborhood's character. The City Commission now faces the challenge of balancing growth with the concerns of its constituents, with many residents urging them to reject the rezoning proposal.