The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees adopted a comprehensive 20-year land use plan to guide future growth and development at its meeting on Tuesday. The board also held an emotional recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, where a local resident shared her family’s story of loss and called for community action. Other board actions included approving new safety beacons for a school zone and the final plat for a new subdivision. For more details on the comprehensive plan and the suicide prevention proclamation, see our full coverage.

Brief Title 1: Resident Raises Concerns Over Parade Access, Meeting Times
During public comment, resident Erica Aultz voiced frustration over access to her Brookstone subdivision being blocked for an hour without warning during the Labor Day parade. She also noted that the board’s 5:30 p.m. start time is inconvenient for working residents to attend. Mayor Mike Adrieansen and Police Chief Ryan Gulli both apologized for the parade communication breakdown and promised to fix the issue for future events.

Brief Title 2: Police Department Awarded $50,000 Grant for Cameras
Mayor Mike Adrieansen announced that the Manhattan Police Department has received a $50,000 grant from the Will County Opioid Program. The funds will be used to purchase and improve security camera systems throughout the village, enhancing public safety. The mayor credited Officer Redlick for his work in applying for the grant.

Brief Title 3: Wandersee Subdivision Plat Approved
The board approved the final plat for the Wandersee Subdivision, located just outside village limits but within its 1.5-mile planning area. The action allows owner Jim Wandersee to subdivide a 6.55-acre property near the corner of Kankakee Street and Smith Road into two residential lots. The plat was previously recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Brief Title 4: Upcoming Community Events Announced
Several upcoming events were highlighted for residents. The next Manhattan Cruise Night is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Community-Wide Garage Sales will take place on September 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, the police department will host a “Glow Ride” on September 27.

Brief Title 5: Round Barn Annexation Progressing
Village staff reported that progress is being made on the annexation of the Round Barn property. Community Development Director Marc Nelson stated that a draft annexation agreement is being prepared for the board’s review. A public hearing and a final vote on the annexation are anticipated to occur within the next one to two months.