manhattan park district graphic.1

Manhattan Park Board Tables Decision on Site Plan for Potential Development

November 8, 2025/
Spread the love

Manhattan Park Board Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board postponed a decision on a proposal from Arete Design Studio to create a concept site plan, citing concerns over cost-sharing and the lack of a firm commitment from a developer. The plan was intended to explore development possibilities on a site adjacent to the historic Round Barn.

Site Plan Proposal Key Points:

  • The board tabled Resolution 25-8, which would have approved a fee proposal from Arete Design Studio, LTD.

  • Commissioners expressed hesitation to fund the plan without a financial commitment from a potential developer.

  • Executive Director Kelly will approach the developer to discuss the possibility of splitting the cost.

  • The board will reconsider the proposal at its October meeting.

The Manhattan Park Board on Thursday, September 11, 2025, opted to delay a decision on commissioning an architectural concept site plan for a potential new development, choosing instead to explore cost-sharing options with a developer.

The board discussed but ultimately tabled Resolution 25-8, which would have authorized an agreement with Arete Design Studio, Ltd. The proposal was for a concept plan for a potential sports complex development on property near the Round Barn Farm.

According to meeting minutes, board members debated the pros and cons of moving forward. While some commissioners felt the plan would be beneficial for understanding what could be achieved on the site, others raised concerns about committing park district funds without a firm commitment from a developer.

A discussion ensued regarding who should be responsible for the cost of the conceptual plan—the park district, the developer, or a split between the two. The board concluded the discussion by directing Executive Director Kelly to contact the developer to see if they would be willing to share the cost.

The item was tabled for future consideration and is expected to be brought back for discussion at the board’s October meeting, pending the outcome of the director’s negotiations.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WCO-Public-Safety.2

Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules

Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.4

In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...
Land-use-8.5.25

Will County Advances Truck Repair Facility Plan on Manhattan Road Despite Resident Objections

Article Summary: A proposal to rezone nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road for a truck repair facility advanced after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Will County Land Use...
WCO-PZ-8.12.1

PZC Grants Variance for Oversized Garage in Joliet Township, Reversing Staff Recommendation

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance for a Joliet Township homeowner to build a garage addition that exceeds the county's size limits. The...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.5

Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Legislative Committee focused on shaping its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels during its August 5 meeting. The primary discussion centered on crafting...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for August 5, 2025

The future of several key county facilities dominated the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. A major topic of discussion was the ongoing buildout of the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday heard urgent requests for facility and funding support from two of the county’s key public-facing departments. The committee took...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday heard urgent requests for facility and funding support from two of the county’s key public-facing departments. The committee took...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Land Use & Development Committee tackled two contentious zoning cases during its August 7 meeting, denying a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residential...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for August 5, 2025

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission backed two controversial projects at its August 5 meeting, unanimously approving a large-scale landscaping business on a residential lot in DuPage Township despite...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee received a detailed presentation on "Our Way Forward 2050," a new 25-year long-range plan designed to guide the region's transportation infrastructure through...
Texas House sues six Democrats absconding in California

Texas House sues six Democrats absconding in California

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Following through on his pledge to use all means necessary to find, arrest and return absconding House Democrats to Texas, the Texas House, led by...
With antisemitism on the rise, a glimmer of hope at Jewish delis

With antisemitism on the rise, a glimmer of hope at Jewish delis

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square With antisemitism at its highest level in recorded history, Jewish delis in the U.S. are providing a glimpse of hope, celebration and award-winning pastrami on...
‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The first expedited coal lease under the Big Beautiful Bill has advanced with the goal of energy independence and job creation in mind. An energy...