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Riley County approves Manhattan East Gateway future land-use map amendment
Summary
Riley County commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution on May 18 approving the City of Manhattan's proposed future land use map amendments for the East Manhattan Gateway, expanding industrial acreage and adding neighborhood commercial nodes; commissioners asked about annexation, water service and tax impacts before voting.
Ben Schmiel, a senior planner for the City of Manhattan, told the Riley County Commission that the city was asking the county to sign off on an amendment to its urban-area comprehensive plan and future land use map tied to the East Manhattan Gateway vision. Schmiel said the amendments "are not actually within Riley County," but explained the county's interlocal agreement requires the county to review and pass a resolution before the city moves forward.
Schmiel described the proposal as a set of map changes that would expand dedicated industrial land, convert some interior McCall Triangle industrial pockets to community commercial uses, introduce a new "core commercial" area south of Sarber Lane that could support downtown-like development if transportation upgrades occur, and add neighborhood commercial nodes along US 24. He said the city paired the map amendments with a market study that showed demand for additional industrial land in the Manhattan area.
Commissioners pressed city staff on likely effects. One commissioner asked whether the plan implies annexation; Schmiel replied, "It does not," and said the city intentionally avoided predetermining annexation because individual developments might or might not require annexation and city services. Commissioners also raised infrastructure and taxation questions, including water and sewer capacity; Schmiel said the city already provides water to several subdivisions in the area and that capacity "exists," but added further analysis would be required for any specific heavy industrial proposal.
After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board seconded a resolution approving the Manhattan urban area comprehensive plan amendment and future land use map changes as presented. The motion passed with the board's affirmative votes and the chair was asked to sign the resolution. The commissioners noted the county's approval is a policy-level action that does not rezone property or predetermine annexation decisions.
The county record shows the resolution was adopted on May 18 and will be part of the procedural steps before the city implements any rezoning, annexation, or infrastructure commitments tied to future development.
