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Resident says County Highway 9 plans are the '800-pound gorilla' blocking local development

Village of Manteno Board · February 18, 2026

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Summary

David Bergdahl told the village board that long-delayed County Highway 9 and interchange plans deter new businesses, urged updating the comprehensive plan and asked for a schedule for the overpass project.

David Bergdahl used his public-comment time to press the board for clearer, updated plans for County Highway 9 and a long-discussed interchange, arguing that uncertainty is deterring new businesses from investing in Manteno.

"The people in this community are missing the 800 pound gorilla," Bergdahl said, describing the highway and interchange plans as the principal barrier to new commercial investment. He said the interchange plans have been on the books for 20 years and that overpass plans have not been updated in five years.

Bergdahl asked the board directly: "Where's it at? What's the schedule?" He argued that prospective business owners will not invest millions if they expect construction and disruption within a short timeframe.

The comment period did not produce a specific staff timetable or change to the village's comprehensive plan. Trustees acknowledged the concern and referenced ongoing planning discussions; Bergdahl suggested updating at least the highway-related portion of the comprehensive plan to provide clarity for prospective developers.