News Summary
The Kansas Court of Appeals confirmed a lower court’s ruling that supports the development of Liquid Art Winery in Riley County. The decision came after an appeal from Prairiewood Holdings, which opposed the winery due to concerns about environmental impact and traffic. The ruling allows Lawe LLC to proceed with their plans for a vineyard and tasting room, highlighting ongoing discussions about land use in the county.
Manhattan, Kansas – The Kansas Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling made by the Riley County District Court concerning the proposed development of Liquid Art Winery. This decision, made public earlier this month, confirms the approval granted by county commissioners for an amended planned unit development (PUD) application submitted by Lawe LLC for their property.
The court’s affirmation supports the earlier decision made by Judge Grant Bannister, which concluded that the county commissioners’ approval met all necessary legal requirements. This legal action stems from an appeal filed by Prairiewood Holdings, an organization managing a retreat and tallgrass preserve located on Wildcat Creek Road, which expressed strong opposition to the winery’s development.
This ruling is particularly significant as it follows a previous endorsement of the winery development in 2022 by the Riley County Board of Commissioners. The application involved replatting and an amended PUD but did not include a request for any changes to the zoning of the land in question.
Praisewood Holdings, which runs a neighboring retreat and preserve, aimed to contest the county’s decision by arguing the merits of their appeal; however, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in changing the outcome of the case. The court found that the Riley County commissioners acted within their authority to approve the application put forth by Lawe LLC.
The attorney representing Prairiewood Holdings commented on the importance of protecting the community’s interests and expressed disappointment over the ruling. The organization raised concerns regarding potential impacts on the environment and local traffic due to the expected increase in visitors to the winery.
Despite these concerns, the court maintained that the procedural and substantive requirements for approval were satisfied, allowing Liquid Art Winery to continue its development plans. The winery, which will offer a vineyard and tasting room, is anticipated to attract visitors to the area and provide economic opportunities local businesses.
The ruling marks a continuing trend in Riley County toward accommodating development while balancing land use concerns. The legal proceedings reflected a growing dialogue within the community about how to manage growth and maintain environmental standards effectively.
As the landscape of Riley County evolves, stakeholders from various sectors, including local businesses, environmental groups, and developing entities, continue to navigate the complexities involved in planning and zoning matters. The decision of the Kansas Court of Appeals serves as a crucial point of reference for future development discussions in the county.
For those seeking more in-depth information on this case and its implications for the local community, further details are available through various local news sources. The growth of the winery and its effect on the community will remain an area of interest as plans progress into the construction phase.
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Additional Resources
- KMAN: Kansas Appeals Court Upholds Riley County Decision
- Wikipedia: Riley County, Kansas
- WIBW: Man Held on $100,000 Bond After Manhattan Arrest
- Google Search: Kansas Court of Appeals
- KMAN: Manhattan Teen Pleas Guilty in Robbery Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Development Regulation
- KMAN: Manhattan Man Sentenced for Child Sex Crimes
- Google News: Liquid Art Winery
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
