Commission approves first reading to rezone Unger Complex; neighbors urge alternative plans

The Manhattan City Commission on May 6 approved first reading of an ordinance to rezone 2323 Anderson Avenue—the Unger Complex—from BC (Business Commercial) to RH (High‑density residential), with a 4‑1 vote in which Mayor Karen McCullough cast the lone no.

City staff said the rezoning would allow multifamily housing at the site and noted that the city’s 2015 future land use map currently shows the property as “Office Research Park.” Stephanie Peterson, director of community development, told the commission, “The applicant has applied to rezone the property from BC Business Commercial to RH, which is a high density residential district.”

Peterson and the applicant said the rezoning is intended to enable a redevelopment proposal for the six‑story former Unger building and an adjacent new structure. Fred Merrill, a co‑developer, described the project to the commission: “Our proposed development would consist of a hundred and 6 units total. It'd be 70 units in the existing Unger Building, and 36 units in a newly constructed building, to the west of the Unger Building.” Merrill said the project would pursue historic and low‑income housing tax credits and that the team expects about 220 parking stalls for the site.

Neighbors and other members of the public urged the commission to reject or delay the rezoning and to seek lower‑density alternatives. Ken Ebert, a resident who said he formerly served on the city’s planning board, told commissioners, “Approval of these rezonings solely based on workforce housing is setting a risky precedent and almost guarantees citywide intrusions of increased densities and established low density neighborhoods.” Dozens of neighborhood residents spoke in opposition, citing traffic, drainage, safety for children, and the loss of long‑established single‑family character.

Commission discussion centered on comparing likely impacts of keeping the BC zoning versus changing to RH. Several commissioners noted that business commercial uses could also generate traffic and compatibility issues, while others emphasized the comprehensive plan’s future land‑use designation and neighborhood concerns. Commissioners were reminded that the rezoning vote addresses zoning only and does not condition the specific design of any future project; site plans, parking, drainage and traffic impacts would be reviewed later at plotting or building‑permit stages.

The commission’s recorded roll call was: Commissioners Adamczyk, Opelt, Mota and Mitten — yes; Mayor Karen McCullough — no. The rezoning passed on first reading and will return for a final reading at a future meeting.

Neighbors and the applicant were directed that subsequent approvals (site plan, permits and any PUD amendments) would include technical reviews for parking, stormwater, utilities and other infrastructure requirements. Several residents asked the commission to pursue additional neighborhood outreach if the project advances.

If the project proceeds, developers will still need to demonstrate compliance with municipal codes and complete required drainage, parking and traffic impact studies before building permits are issued.