With speeding and safety major concerns on Manhattan’s roadways, the village is taking a step toward making the major thoroughfare, Route 52, a little safer.
The village board heard a presentation from Greg Huss, Urban Planner with The Farnsworth Group, regarding a study for Route 52. The village hired the Farnsworth Group to complete the safety study after receiving $100,000 from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant in 2024.
The study, titled “Manhattan Corridor Safety Plan: An Action Plan for U.S. Route 52,” will examine ways to improve transportation and pedestrian safety along the corridor.
A 12-person committee, made up of community members in different roles, will provide input at four points throughout the study, Farnsworth Group’s Urban Planner Greg Huss said at the April 21 board meeting.
Specifically, the study will analyze crash history and roadway safety conditions to identify high-risk locations and contributing factors, along with a focus on pedestrian mobility and safety. The study will recommend safety strategies and improvement projects to IDOT.
“The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is our top priority,” said Mayor Mike Adrieansen.
“U.S. Route 52 is a vital corridor in our community, and this study is a key step toward making it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’re proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Farnsworth Group and look forward to community input as we plan for a safer, stronger Manhattan,” Adrieansen stated in a release.
The board also held a public hearing on the village’s budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026, and ending April 30, 2027. No one signed up to comment, and it was approved unanimously. Finance Director Justin VanVooren reviewed the budget in detail at the last meeting and has had it on public display for the past 30 days.
In other news, the board approved memorandums of understanding and collective bargaining agreements with the various unions representing the village’s employees. The board also approved the release of several irrevocable lines of credit relating to the Whitefeather subdivision.
Additionally, the board approved public works hiring help to cut grass in parkways and village-owned property and renewed farm rental agreements on village-owned property.
In other public works news, Manhattan’s major infrastructure projects, the Eastern Avenue roadway project and the Front Street water main project, are underway. Public Works Supervisor John Tyk advised Eastern Avenue should have the binder applied, weather permitting, by PT Ferro on April 27.
The village also replaced the bay window on the old village hall building and completed tuckpointing.
During public comments, Binoni Norfleet spoke about her organization, So Pish Posh, a girls’ empowerment group designed to give young girls a structured environment to grow, express themselves, and develop life skills. Norfleet said So Pish Posh stands for the Secret Order of the Pretty Intelligent Sisters Having Positive Observations Simply Happy. She sought a partnership with the village.
Registration for the community garage sales begins May 1. The summer community garage sales will take place Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. Those interested in participating should visit the village’s website on the garage sales under community events or contact Shelly Lewis at the village for more information and to register visit slewis@villageofmanhattan.org.