A discussion turned a little heated at Tuesday night’s Manhattan City commission meeting.
McDonald’s is attempting to develop and build a new building on the east side of town, and is having some issues securing a signature from one of the local land owners near the proposed site. The commission is weighing whether or not to vacate some of the project to allow the development to go forward.
Local business owner Steve Hart rents business space near the site, and was concerned about traffic into and out of his business. However, McDonald’s project manager, Howard Johnson, assured Hart there would not be an issue during construction, and believes the building will bring value to the location. Johnson told the commission the new building would be one of a kind in the region, and feature LED lights and improvements to surrounding street structures.
The commission also approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow a Taco John’s restaurant to be built just south of Best Buy. The concern with that project was once again traffic flow, and especially the larger trucks which service Best Buy. Developers for the project assured the commission such traffic was light, and occurs at off-peak times for the restaurant.
The commission also passed the start of contract work for CiCo park detention improvements. The $168,258.00 contract was seen by Commissioner Rich Jankovich as a “great first step” in flood management for the area.
A sculpture for the 4th Street and Bluemont Avenue roundabout is being recommended to the commission by the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board. The statue features a Native American male figure, and is called “Peace Offering on the Blue”. The commission applauded the board’s efforts, but had some questions about the historical accuracy of the sculpture and sensitivity to the Native American population. The board assured the commission as the process for placing the artwork went forward all necessary changes would be made to preserve the historical accuracy, and would partner with surrounding Native American populations to ensure all requirements are met to standard.
