Lengthening Riverview would open undeveloped areas

By Jane Myhra

This diagram shows the area marked for street development in the city of Manawa. The proposed street will extend Riverview Drive to the west of State Highway 22/110.
Jane Myhra Photo

A proposed extension of Riverview Drive was discussed by the Manawa Common Council at its Feb. 15 meeting.

An overview of the project was presented by Dennis Steigenberger, consulting engineer with Cedar Corporation.

Steigenberger suggested that the city of Manawa extend Riverview Drive directly west across State Highway 22-110, which would provide access to undeveloped properties on the city’s northwest side. The street extension will also provide access for the city to extend water and sewer to the undeveloped areas.

The road extension was first proposed by the city’s engineer Cedar Corporation in 2006. At that time, the council expressed preference for an offset intersection, instead of cutting into the middle of a property lot. This request was denied by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

“It’s a DOT right-of-way, so to get any access road to State 22-110 would need DOT approval,” Steigenberger said.

The option was revisited due to a proposed relocation of the medical clinic and interest from the Dollar Store. The Dollar Store recently expressed interest in a different location in Manawa.

As a first step, Steigenberger urged the council to apply for a right-of-way to extend the existing roadway across State 22-110. This will pave the way for the easiest water and sewer utility access to the properties to the west.

“You need a master plan to protect the city and potentially be able to supply utilities,” Steigenberger said. “No one knows how this land might develop. You need to be flexible.”

In planning for the future, the city also needs to consider replacing its water tower.

“We need to find the money somehow before it costs us even more,” said Mike Frazier, chair of the Improvements and Services Committee.

“We really need to look at the water rates,” said Mayor John Smith.

Police Chief Jim Gorman announced that he has applied for several grants for the Manawa Police Department to participate in statewide enforcement targets, such as Click it or Ticket.

Council member expressed their opinions on having Gorman at the helm of the MPD.

“It’s refreshing to see our chief in a squad car,” said Frazier.

Smith said he is getting good reports about Gorman being at the school every morning.