The Free Press
MANKATO — The city of Mankato is kicking off its Hilltop Planning Area Study with an open house Tuesday in Erlandson Park.
Residents, property owners, businesses and organizations are invited to attend and offer input on their vision for the neighborhood south of Madison Avenue, north of Main Street, west of Victory Drive and east of the bluff line. The area is a complex mix of single-family homes, growing institutions such as the hospital and Bethany Lutheran College, and commercial businesses.
“The Hilltop Planning Area Study is designed to identify the vision and direction for future development in the hilltop neighborhood,” according to the city news release inviting attendance to the open house. “The study will evaluate neighborhood recommendations and concerns, existing issues and future land use plans.”
The come-and-go open house will run from 5-6:30 p.m. with people able to arrive anytime during those 90 minutes to learn about the yearlong planning process, offer opinions, share concerns and ask questions of city staff. There is no formal presentation, although a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for 5:05 p.m. for Erlandson Park’s new playground. Children in attendance will be able to take part in the ceremony.
Those unable to attend the open house also can learn more about the planning study and share opinions via the city’s website. Other popup events in the neighborhood are also planned for later in the summer.