By Dewey Terrill
Little Apple Post
Too high taxes, street potholes, housing and whether an indoor aquatic center is needed were among the numerous issues touched on by Manhattan City Commission candidates during a forum on Wednesday.
On the issue of housing density downtown Scott Seel favors more mixed use housing in the downtown area while Jayme Minton supports property tax abatements that would result in full property tax values in 10 years for the city. She expressed a willingness to be open to new ideas. Martha Sweeney is a proponent of mixed use and medium density development, Jim Morrison noted the city has had infill growth and he is not a big advocate for infill financng, while Amber Starling observed that there is a need for workforce housing and a place for them to live. Larry Fox feels that there should be a concentration on the area east of Aggieville for that type of thing, while Andrew Von Lintel said grant sources should be identified and he generally favors higher density downtown. Peter Oppelt indicated mixed use is the lifeblood of the town and solutions could include adding accessory developing units or potential zoning changes.
On whether urban sprawl is stretching the city's resources thin, Jayme Minton noted there needs to be a look at the entire city as a balancing act, Martha Sweeney likes the idea of a strategic plan to manage growth at the city's edge, Jim Morrison added land use will always be with the city, and Amber Starling sees a need to foxus on infill. Larry Fox said urban sprawl is not a big problrm in Manhattan and priorities include downtown and getting Aggieville in good shape. Peter Oppelt observed that one challenge the city faces due to urban sprawl before adding new subdivisions and green fill would be to consider what it would cost to replace infrastructure. Scott Seel favors focusing on infill and medium density property.
On oher issues with taxes Jim Morrison noted, " People are afraid of losing their houses," while Amber Starling said, "People are getting taxed out of their homes." Larry Fox pointed to taxes and the mill levy which he feels needs to be reduced back down. Fox pointed to a five and a half mill increase in about two years.
Scott Seel indicated roads are a concern. That will have to be paid for and sales tax doesn't raise enough money to meet the needs. Martha Sweeney said the number one issue is potholes and people often feel the city doesn't listen."Something has to be improved on keeping roads driveable."
Since the KSU Natatorium closed Manhattan does not have an indoor aquatic facility. There has bee a desire for one on the part of some but the candidates did not express support for it. Peter Oppelt noted sales tax would be the best way to do it. However they would need to make sure people would use the facility.
On economic development Andrew Von Lintel called for less taxes and more population growth.
Jayme Minton said the single biggest issue facing Manhattan is the financial burden. Business and industry expansion was mentioned.
Downtown Manhattan hosted the forum. Three seats on the city commission are up for election in November.