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Commission approves first reading to rezone about 26 lots south of downtown to downtown or business commercial
Summary
On first reading the commission rezoned roughly 26 parcels south of downtown to either Downtown Commercial (CD) or Business Commercial (BC) districts, 5–0. Staff said the changes follow the Beyond Tomorrow downtown plan and aim to align zoning with expected land use and design standards.
The Manhattan City Commission on Jan. 14 approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone approximately 26 lots south of downtown to either Downtown Commercial (CD) or Business Commercial (BC) districts, by a unanimous roll call vote.
City planning staff described the change as implementation of the Beyond Tomorrow downtown plan’s recommendations to make zoning consistent with intended land use and design standards. The eastern portion of the mapped area would be rezoned to the Downtown Commercial (CD) district to mirror development standards along Fourth and Leavenworth streets, while the western portion would become Business Commercial (BC) to serve as a transition zone compatible with adjacent residential districts, staff said.
Stephanie (planning staff) explained that CD is a downtown commercial classification that can permit higher‑intensity uses typical of downtown, and that BC is a less intense commercial district oriented to compatibility with nearby single‑family neighborhoods. Staff said property uses already within Planned Unit Developments would remain conforming and that single‑family homes on some parcels would remain conforming uses where the BC designation applies.
The motion passed on first reading with a 5–0 roll call. The clerk recorded "yes" votes from Commissioner Opelt, Commissioner Mota, Commissioner Mitten, Mayor Susan Adamczak, and Commissioner McCullough.
Staff indicated the commission would move individually through rezoning items and take additional public comment where required before final readings. The ordinance passed first reading; final adoption will require subsequent readings.
