Commission approves FLUM amendment for East Manhattan Gateway over Green Valley objections

The City Commission voted 4–1 on May 5 to adopt ordinance 7823, amending the Manhattan urban area comprehensive plan27s future land use map to reflect the East Manhattan Gateway recommendations and to extend the plan area into parts of Pottawatomie County known as Green Valley.

Stephanie Peterson, director of planning and development, said the FLUM is a long‑range, policy‑level tool (not a rezoning) used to guide future development and to indicate where municipal services could be extended. She described proposed changes in the McCall Triangle, a shift from industrial to service commercial in some pockets and the introduction of neighborhood commercial nodes and potential parkland.

Public commenters from Green Valley urged the commission to pause adoption because the community has a pending incorporation petition; Robert Busby, executive director of the Green Valley Kansas Foundation, asked the commission to table the action until Pottawatomie County holds its hearings. "We respectfully request that you table this action until that petition has been heard," Busby said.

Commissioners and staff responded that the FLUM is a voluntary, visioning tool for planning and that it does not impose zoning on county land; staff noted the county is not required to adopt the amendment but has shown interest. After discussion, the commission approved ordinance 7823 by roll call 4–1 (Commissioner Morrison opposed).

Next steps: the county will consider the amendment per interlocal agreements; staff said the FLUM can be amended in the future if Green Valley27s incorporation succeeds or if new information requires changes.