Manhattan the Latest to Adopt Streetscape Plan

By Andrea Arens

Just last week, the Village of Manhattan unanimously approved an expansive streetscape plan.

The plan, designed by the Farnsworth Group, encompasses all of their downtown area and improvements to U.S. Rt. 52. The entire plan is a concept broken into phases, with the plan being paid for  entirely by private investment and grant money, as Manhattan doesn’t have a TIF district, and Mayor Mike Adrieansen doesn’t want to add one.

Several public informational meetings were held prior to the adoption, including one right before the village board meeting. The goals for the streetscape plan that originated from those meetings were to make Rt. 52 safer, branding for Manhattan, community places to gather, and to bring new development.

Adrieansen said the design plan is just a “blueprint to start the dialog for its vision.”

Adrieansen said the goal was for the taxing bodies to work together as much as possible to share space and expenses to save tax dollars wherever possible. He also said the plan is a living document and not clearly defined because it’s really driven by the private sector.

Adrieansen remarked, “The key is having a vision.”

In other board news, a resolution purchasing in-car computers, body cameras, and electronic ticket printers for the police department, of which some is paid for by the Illinois Technology Grant, was unanimously approved.

The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the village and the Will County Sheriff’s Office, allowing officers to train with the Gang Suppression Unit. While Chief Wold said gang activity is not a concern for Manhattan at this time, he said cities just north of Manhattan were having issues, and it was best to be proactive.

A potential buyer for Liberty Center has surfaced, and an amendment to the development agreement was unanimously approved. Said amendment would make provisions for the village to take on road maintenance when the development was 80 percent complete.

Another IGA between the village and the Will County Forest Preserve unanimously was approved for a trail connection at Wauponsee Glacier Trail and Marion Street. The trail connection would make it more pedestrian friendly, and the agreement would be a 99-year lease.

The village also voted to spend $24,500 on a bid from Accurate Construction for a multi-use pathway from Marion Street to Wauponsee Trail.

An updated ordinance amending business regulations of the liquor control regulations also was approved. In it, the village updated the application and renewal process, while adding that a license dissolves once a business closes. The ordinance also added expanded liquor categories to include establishments as microbreweries.

Adrieansen also added that village-hosted events are not paid for using tax dollars but with sponsorship money. The village plans to add a report detailing such.

Also, the village is in the preliminary planning stages for a dog park near Central Park, in conjunction with the Park District and a private financier. Adrieansen added the hope is to have that finalized by mid-summer of 2024.