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Village of Manhattan approves annexation and rezoning of Round Barn Farm Park
Summary
After a public hearing, the Village of Manhattan approved an annexation agreement with the Manhattan Park District covering nearly 90 acres at Round Barn Farm Park, and passed ordinances to annex and rezone the property; the village will provide water, police services and will collect a 2.5% fee on private events.
The Village of Manhattan board on a roll-call vote approved an annexation agreement with the Manhattan Park District for Round Barn Farm Park and adopted ordinances to annex and rezone the parcels into the village.
The board opened a public hearing on the annexation and heard from Jay Kelly, a representative of the Manhattan Park District, who said, “the annexation is for the entire piece of property, which is nearly 90 acres.” The chair told the public the village will provide water service to the site, will collect a 2.5% fee for private events held there and will provide police services for events on village property.
Why it matters: the Round Barn is a historical landmark for the community and the Park District plans to restore the barn and convert part of the site into an event venue. Park District remarks and staff presentations said the overall use of the property will remain consistent with prior park uses while the district restores the barn and develops an event area between the barn and the blacksmith building.
Board members and speakers asked about vehicle access and traffic control. Park District and staff said an existing Baker-access easement will remain available for emergency use and that the village police will provide event policing once the annexation is complete. The board also said they have been in contact with state transportation officials; staff reported they asked IDOT and state senators to investigate a possible turn lane to address safety concerns at a nearby curve.
The board approved three separate ordinances related to the action: the annexation agreement authorizing execution with the Manhattan Park District, a formal ordinance annexing the territory (PIN numbers were read into the record), and a rezoning ordinance placing the parcels under village zoning. Each motion passed on roll call.
The chair and several trustees praised the Park District’s restoration work and said the annexation will create new opportunities for coordination on events and public safety. The meeting record shows no executive session was held on the item and that the board completed the related votes during the regular meeting.
