Proposed Bruns Road Rodeo Sparks Concerns Over Safety, Zoning, and Past Violations

A proposal to host a large, multi-weekend rodeo on Bruns Road has raised numerous red flags for the Manhattan Township Board, which cited concerns ranging from public safety and zoning compliance to the property owner’s history of unpermitted construction.

A property owner at 13745 W. Bruns Rd. has applied for a Will County temporary use permit to host a rodeo on two consecutive weekends, July 19-20 and July 26-27, 2025. The event is planned for more than 100 individuals daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During the board’s March 11 meeting, officials outlined what they termed “many questionable issues” with the permit application. Key among the concerns is whether the event is appropriate for its location, which is zoned for agricultural and residential use. The board questioned the legality of hosting a large-scale commercial event in such an area.

Safety and regulatory questions also abound. The application did not specify whether alcohol would be served, and it remains unclear if the local fire department has reviewed and approved the proposed setup for the event.

Adding to the board’s hesitation is the property’s track record with the county. According to the meeting minutes, “There have been several instances where construction has occurred without proper paperwork.”

In response, Clerk Kelly Baltas will submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Will County to obtain all permit and inspection reports filed for the property over the years. This action aims to create a clear record of compliance, or lack thereof, before the township makes a recommendation on the permit.

The applicant will be invited to the next township board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, to present the application and answer questions in a public hearing. The township’s recommendation will be a key piece of information when the application goes before the Will County Board for a final decision on April 15. The board’s detailed scrutiny ensures that local concerns will be formally documented before the county makes its ruling.