Manhattan city officials are helping coordinate private infrastructure improvements in a utility easement along the north side of Gary Ave. and south side of Anthony Middle School. The work will be conducted by Kansas Gas.
There will be a neighborhood meeting on Monday evening to discuss the project with Kansas Gas, during which time they can present plans, receive feedback and respond to questions. The meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Anthony Recreation Center multi-purpose meeting room on the second level of that facility at 2415 Browning Ave.
The project includes repairs during the early fall with completion around the end of the year, weather permitting, by Kansas Gas.
Ed Klimek of Manhattan issued a news release on this project, noting that Kansas Gas Service is planning to do maintenance on the 16-inch gas line that runs from Browning Ave. to 3200 Gary Ave. He noted that this goes through the heart of a stand of trees north of houses on Gary Ave. The gas line must be lowered due to safety and security issues and those corrective measures are welcomed.
Klimek noted that Kansas Gas also plans to clear cut 50 feet on either side of the gas line for a total of 100 feet of clear space, which would almost completely take out most of the trees. He noted there are those who feel that is excessive and not required for the work to be successfully completed. It is a beautiful natural area in danger of being destroyed.
Residents sympathetic to saving the trees are urged to support this view and you can voice your concerns at the Monday evening meeting. Klimek added that it would be a reasonable request to clear cut 20 feet on either side of the gas line for a total of 40 feet, providing the space needed to work on the project and still save the trees and environment.