Former Motel 6 Could Become 66 Apartments Under Salina Rezoning Proposal
Salina city commissioners will consider rezoning the Motel 6 property at 635 W. Diamond Drive as an initial step toward converting the building into a 66-unit apartment complex.
Salina Investments LLC filed the request on behalf of Continental Overseas LLC and Bhanumati LLC. The proposal would change the 3.96-acre tract from C-7 Highway Commercial to C-5 Service Commercial zoning.
The owners’ concept calls for 48 studio apartments and 18 one-bedroom units. Multifamily housing is not permitted in the current C-7 district, while C-5 allows it with a conditional use permit.
Approval of the rezoning would not authorize the apartment conversion. The owners would still need to file a conditional use permit application, which would require another public hearing and a separate review of traffic, utilities, public safety and other impacts.
The Salina Planning Commission voted 8-0 on Aug. 4 to recommend approval. Staff reported no opposition from neighboring property owners. The site is served by eight-inch water and sewer lines, and the existing building and parking areas sit outside the mapped flood zone on the southern portion of the property.
City planning staff recommends approval, finding the proposed zoning consistent with the commercial and industrial character along West Diamond Drive and the city’s comprehensive plan.
