East Park rezoning effort fails at Manhattan City Commission

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - An effort to rezone part of a historic Manhattan neighborhood failed before city commissioners Tuesday night.

Developers wanted to rezone lots in the East Park Neighborhood, clearing the way to build duplexes and address the city's need for more housing. The lots in question were located at 300 N 11th St. and 1020 Leavenworth St.

Neighbors argued tearing down and building new homes would disrupt the aesthetics, affordability and overall sustainability of the neighborhood. Residents also say that historical homes hold more value than a new complex ever could.

“I've lived in a lot of like newer places, new townhomes, new apartments, and they just aren't in the best condition," resident Layla Hood said. "They're very poorly insulated and they're just not built very well. But this older home is like built so well and it's built to last. I love living there so much and it has everything I need and it's in a great location and I have no complaints about it."

Although the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board discouraged rezoning the lots, city commissioners tried anyway. They voted 3-2 to rezone, but the five-member city commission needed four votes to approve rezoning.

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