New city improvements will change the face of Harvard.

The City of Harvard is centrally located between Rockford, Chicago and Milwaukee. Residents enjoy Metra train service to Chicago, the largest conservation acreage in Illinois and easy access to information and recreation. There is a family aquatic center, the Harvard Diggins Public Library and quality health and senior care available to all residents. There are also many new improvements planned for the city this year.

"There is much more to Harvard than Milk Days," says Mayor Jay Nolan. "The festival is a big part of Harvard, but there are great things going on here everyday."

One of the major improvements for 2008 is to bring Main Street back to life. Using Tax Incremental Financing funding, the city will preserve about a half-mile section of Ayer Street. Dave Nelson, City Administrator provided an overview of the changes which will include decorative sidewalks, brick crosswalks, new 19th Century-inspired streetlights and $50,000 for façade renovations.

Construction will start after Milk Days and is expected to complete by October 31. According to Mayor Nolan, an improved Main Street will bring back community pride and serve the residents, businesses and visitors of Harvard well into the future.