New Subdivision Approved in Manhattan

Following a public hearing and subsequent approval of an annexation agreement, rezoning, and plat of survey for Skyline Real Estate Development LLC, a new subdivision has been approved in Manhattan.

The attorney for the applicant, Nathaniel Washurn, with KGG, LLC, provided a brief presentation on the subdivision.

The new subdivision, named Butternut Ridge South, will be located just south of the existing Butternut Ridge subdivision on the west side of Cedar Road. The new subdivision will have 41 lots. 

“These are on the whole larger lots, larger homes, and more substantial improvements than would have been typically required either by the current or previous village ordinance,” Washburn explained.

Though a public hearing was held at the village’s plan commission and again at the village board meeting, there were no questions or concerns from the board or the public. 

Walking Path Concerns

Megan Miner, who moved to Manhattan’s White Feather subdivision in 2021, spoke regarding the Safe Route to School grant the village received, which would create a walking and biking path from the White Feather subdivision to Manhattan Intermediate School and Manhattan Junior High School. She explained the path would eliminate bus service, forcing kids to walk or bike to school.

Miner explained kids would have to walk in the rain, snow, and cold, adding that kids would be walking in the dark in the morning. Though the path would likely have lights and a crossing guard, she still has concerns it would be unsafe, especially if it were along Rt. 52.

“Everyone seems in favor of a path, but no one realizes that once we have the path, it puts us in that magical 1.5 mile distance to where the buses won’t have to service. Ultimately, I think we pay too much in taxes to lose services,” Miner said.

Encroaching Developments

Andrea Baumhardt spoke during general public comments to specifically raise concerns regarding the data center proposed in neighboring Joliet. A public hearing is set for that project on November 20.

“My family has lived in Manhattan just shy of 20 years now. I can’t help but feel our community is being poached on many different sides,” Baumhardt said, acknowledging the different developments surrounding Manhattan, including the solar development, the data center in Joliet, and the truck traffic resulting from the nearby warehousing and intermodal developments.

Baumhardt expressed significant concern about how much water data centers could use, potentially threatening Manhattan’s water supply. 

Additionally, she shared fears the data center would take all the power Manhattan relies on, especially if rumors were true about its power usage or that it would cause electricity costs to skyrocket.

She urged the Village of Manhattan to pressure the data center to provide a water study to determine how it could impact the village and maintain close contact with Joliet, reporting back to residents what they learned.

The village board approved a resolution authorizing an agreement for consulting services between SAQ Consulting Inc. and the Village of Manhattan. 

Consultant Steve Quigley will assist the village in evaluating the various projects and advocating for the village’s best interests, many of which Baumhardt expressed concerns about. 

Quigley can assist the village with legislative efforts in Springfield and help the village beyond merely opposing projects it does not deem fit for the area. Adrieansen said the intent is to improve safety in the village and be more proactive when working with IDOT over village concerns.

Village Votes to Raise Water and Sewer Rates

Adrieansen reported the village held a financial strategy meeting with village Financial Director Justin VanVooren to determine how it would fund its new water tower.

Ultimately, the village determined to raise water rates, with the board unanimously voting in favor, with the exception of Clint Boone, who was absent.

“Justin put together an ordinance that increases the rates and removes some of the cap, credit, or limit associated with water consumption or sewer rates. So basically this is going to be structured over four years and that way, if we were successful to get grants we can not implement certain ones,” Adrieansen explained.

Trustee Justin Young asked VanVooren to address the rates and how they are compared to other communities.

“The rates in a majority of the surrounding communities, with the exception of those being smaller, are higher in those other communities. Some of the rates we’re looking at for certain items, even after the four years, will be lower than the rates in those other communities now,” VanVooren explained.

Young and Adrieansen both offered comments about the rate hike following VanVooren’s brief words.

“It’s never fun having these kinds of conversations talking about raising rates. I mean, everyone’s going up – the electric, the Nicor bills. It’s unfortunate, but I mean, we’re at a standpoint now where our plan is not just we need room for expansion. It’s old, and you don’t want to be Flint, Michigan, on the news and not be able to give people good water. So, it is unfortunate, but it is a necessity,” Young commented.

Adrieansen added it was better to keep water within the village rather than sell it to a third-party company, as evidenced by the water woes neighboring communities have experienced.

Supervisor John Tyk added it is a massive project, but it allows the village to keep up with water needs, noting iron and radium are removed; it’s just not softened.

Village Bans Kratom

The village passed an ordinance banning Kratom, an addictive synthetic drug, which poses a significant risk of harm to youth. 

Police Chief Ryan Gulli explained Kratom is often mixed with other drugs. Outside of the village ordinance, it is a legal but unregulated drug, though it is banned in several states. To his knowledge, there isn’t an overdose reversal drug, which makes it even more dangerous. He wants the village to be proactive in protecting its residents, especially minors. 

Other News

The village voted to update its farm fuel system, which the village’s public works, EMA, police, and fire departments use to fuel vehicles and equipment. The total cost is $ 36,975, but the fire district will contribute $8,600 toward repair costs. The village budgeted $25,000, but additional work is needed to repair the system. 

The village also voted to make repairs and upgrades to the Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce building at 245 and 255 S. State Street. The bid was awarded to Unlimited Masonry & Construction, Inc. for $24,900.

In other news, the village officially declared November 1 as National Family Literacy Day in Manhattan through a proclamation aimed at increasing literacy and supporting literacy programs in the village, which Mayor Mike Adrieansen read. 

“I know we can’t solve everything in one statement or one thing, but I just want to let everyone know we’re listening. We’re not just kind of shooing you away. I appreciate you guys coming here and speaking,” Adrieansen said, offering to speak with the commenters one-on-one and provide his phone number for follow-up. 

Adrieansen also said he, along with the other board members, welcomed their input and would be available.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.