City News
Library officials explore potential cost of separating from the city
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Public Library officials are continuing to explore different options for managing mounting maintenance costs at the main building on Orrington Avenue, including one path that would entail separating from the city and becoming an independent district. EPL Executive Director Yolande Wilburn briefed the board at its Feb. 19 meeting on a…
Preservation Commission members again question proposed code changes
By Bob Seidenberg Frustration boiled over at times as members of the Evanston Preservation Commission met Feb. 11 for a second review of proposed city zoning code changes encapsulated in Envision Evanston 2045, raising concerns the recommended changes for greater height and bulk may be placing development over maintaining the city’s special character. “I think…
NU contract workers win protections in first-time ordinance supporting retention rights
By Bob Seidenberg Veronica Reyes, a longtime resident of the city, has worked the past 15 years as a cashier in food service for Northwestern University. When the university replaced food service operators Sodexo and Aramark with the Compass Group in 2018, she told members of the city’s Human Services Committee Wednesday night, “there was…
Commission pushes for zoning protections for historic district
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Preservation Commission raised concerns Tuesday about height and density changes proposed for the Chicago Avenue corridor, leaning toward dividing zoning on the street to blunt the impact on homes in the Lakeshore Historic District, which sits just behind it. No final votes were taken. Boiled down, though, the…
Fifth Ward TIF funds may go for property improvements
By Bob Seidenberg The Five-Fifths Tax Increment Financing district, the newest of the city’s five active TIF districts, has already amassed close to $1.4 million in incremental revenues — funds that officials are looking to tap to improve housing quality and maintain affordability within the district. City Council members established the Five-Fifths TIF in October…
Residents weigh in on Chicago Avenue bike lane at packed meeting
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston city officials are looking at securing more off-street parking and establishing resident-only parking zones, responding to concerns from some merchants about the spaces that will be lost under the city’s plan for a protected two-way bike lane for Chicago Avenue. Officials went “back to the drawing board,” Sat Nagar, the senior engineer…
Consultant’s report identifies four sites which could serve as Evanston government’s next permanent home
By Bob Seidenberg The main Evanston Public Library site at 1703 Orrington Ave., is among the sites identified as options to serve as the next permanent home of government operations after the city moves out of 2100 Ridge Avenue to temporary quarters early next year. ”It seems to me the fewer buildings the city is…
Staff pushing for Council action supporting Chicago Avenue bike lane grant one night before meeting on the project
By Bob Seidenberg Once again, Evanston city staff is pushing for action backing funding assistance for a protected two-way bike lane running nearly the length of Chicago Avenue rather than spacing out discussion on the issue. Officials are recommending Council action on Monday night’s agenda for grant funds from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency (CMAP) to…