Manhattan Officials Continue Work On Vision To Redevelop Downtown

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan Village officials will continue discussion of the downtown redevelopment plan at a Committee of the Whole prior to their regular bi-monthly village board meeting on Tuesday, August 1. Work has continued throughout the summer since the Village hosted a public open house on June 14 that saw over 350 participants review the plans and offer their input, officials said Tuesday.

"We have been very pleased with the level of participation by local residents and business owners as we continue to work to improve our downtown area," said Mayor Mike Adrieansen. "The concept plan is another step in our overall efforts to create additional economic development opportunities and balance new development with the quality of life for our residents. This must be done in a way that balances the history of Manhattan and our small-town values with the future growth around us that is today’s reality."

At the public meeting in June, residents were given the opportunity to view the draft plans and offer comments directly to the mayor and trustees who were present, as well as discuss the plan with the Village’s consultants on the project. In addition, presentation materials remain available on the Village’s website (www.villageofmanhattan.org) and public comments are still being accepted. Residents can fill out an online form on the website or stop by Village Hall and fill out a survey.

"The Mayor and Trustees value the public’s input, and we want to continue to gather ideas and feedback so that we can continue to refine this plan," said Village Administrator Nick Palmer. "The Village is working on formalizing next steps in the process, and we anticipate having a formal presentation from the consultants at our September meetings."

The Village began work on this project in August of 2022 and has been working with other Manhattan area taxing bodies to develop the concept plan. Key partners include the Manhattan Park District, Manhattan-Elwood Library District, and the Manhattan Fire Protection District.

"We are hoping to begin work on several next steps including beautification efforts in the downtown, a review of Rt. 52 truck traffic reduction initiatives, and marketing to developers who could invest in new construction in Manhattan," said Mayor Adrieansen. "We have lots of work to do and we want to continue to engage with our residents and businesses going forward."