Manhattan's Downtown Plan The Focus Of Upcoming Open House

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan officials continue to work toward their goal of revitalizing the downtown, and they're opening it up for more discussion with residents.

Officials will host an open house ahead of the regularly scheduled Village Board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., to give residents another opportunity to ask questions and make comments on this plan. At the regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m, the board will hear a presentation by the Village's consultant team on the master plan.

The Village began work on a concept plan for the downtown area in August 2022. Since then, the Village has hosted several stakeholder engagement sessions, met regularly with local taxing body partners, and held an initial public open house in June 2023. Village staff have recorded the many comments received from residents and are incorporating these thoughts and ideas into future work plans, officials said.

Officials remind residents that the plan is not yet finalized—it is "the next step as we continue to work towards an improved Manhattan that balances the growth of our town with the quality of life for our families," officials said.

Anyone unable to make it to the open house who would like to discuss the plan and direction the Village is going with this work, is encouraged to contact Village Administrator Nick Palmer at npalmer@villageofmanhattan.org or 815-418-2051.