The Manhattan Village Board advanced over $1.38 million in water infrastructure projects at its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, awarding contracts for three major water main upgrades that will be largely paid for with federal grant funds. The board also authorized an application for a state grant to improve safety for students walking to school. For more details on these initiatives, see the full stories.

A final decision on a proposed 41-home subdivision called Butternut Ridge South was postponed after the board continued its public hearing on the matter to October 21. The delay is necessary to receive a formal recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Trustee Voices Scooter and E-Bike Safety Concerns
Trustee Lucinda Neighbors urged parents to speak with their children about road safety, citing recent incidents she witnessed. She described seeing two youths riding double on a battery-powered bicycle on Cedar Road and another person on a scooter in a car lane on Route 52 at night. “Cars aren’t really used to…seeing somebody like cruise in,” she said, expressing concern that drivers are not looking for such fast-moving, smaller vehicles.

Prairie Trails Phase 2 Under Contract
Community Development Director Marc Nelson announced that the 34 single-family lots planned for the second phase of the Villas of Prairie Trails are now under contract with a local builder. Nelson said the developer is currently conducting due diligence, and the village hopes to see a final plat for the development soon. The property is located next to the existing Villas of Prairie Trails.

Village Projects Progressing
Public works officials provided updates on two major village projects. The Eastern Avenue road project is “going to town,” according to Trustee Robert Dilling. Meanwhile, the new Well 7 building is taking shape, with crews starting to install brick on the exterior and shingle the roof. Painters were expected to begin work on the interior this week.

Oktoberfest a “Huge Success”
Trustees celebrated the success of the recent Oktoberfest event. Trustee Justin Young thanked village staff, the police and EMA departments, public works, and community partners like the Manhattan Park District and Chamber of Commerce for their hard work. He described it as a “really good family day” and a “fun event” that was well-attended by all ages.