Mayor outlines housing growth, code enforcement and 2024 priorities including police hires

The Mayor of Manhattan said housing developments are moving forward across the village: Tramore Liberty Center (vacant since about 2008) has been sold and completed, Core Homes plans to start building in 2024 with about 93 new home sites near Prairie Trails and Route 52, Ivanhoe was sold to D.R. Horton with roughly 200 home sites continuing construction and sales, and White Feather is progressing into later phases with required bike connections.

To protect property values, the village began code enforcement by converting a part-time officer to 5–8 hours per week dedicated to building-code work. The Mayor said enforcement and development are complementary: new homes help expand the tax base, while enforcement maintains neighborhood standards.

On priorities for 2024, the Mayor said the board held strategic planning and singled out hiring additional police officers, purchasing squad cars and updating the village comprehensive plan (last updated in 2008) with an expected completion into 2025. He also outlined road projects (Baker Road east of Cedar, rebuilding Eastern Avenue south of Smith Road) and said the village is pursuing a dog park in partnership with the park district, backed by some private donations and corporate interest.

The Mayor noted the village hired a part-time truck enforcement officer to address safety and traffic violations by heavy vehicles. He did not announce specific hiring counts, contract awards or firm construction schedules during the address.