City looks at ways to protect trees, even on private property, with proposed changes By Bob Seidenberg If proposed changes to Evanston’s tree policy go through, residents would be required, in many cases, to apply for a special permit before removing trees from private property. If the property is slated for construction, and the tree…
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Finance and Budget Committee on July 11 recommended adoption of a Public Safety Pension policy that would commit the city to make annual contributions to the police and firefighters retirement funds that would enable them to be fully funded by 2040. In developing the policy, committee members worked alongside representatives…
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Redistricting Committee have released a map proposing the first new political boundaries for the city in 20 years, using a light hand to keep ward lines as close to the present as possible. Fourth Ward City Council member Jonathan Nieuwsma, chair of the committee, introduced the map at…
Group to meet with the mayor, city officials next week over their concerns By Bob Seidenberg Members of the Friends of the Evanston Farmers Market (FEFM) are scheduled to meet with city officials next week to discuss concerns they have about a recently issued consultants’ report that called for a move of the market to…
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston officials have released a draft of consultants’ findings in a much-anticipated report, Evanston Thrives, that lays out an action plan for improving the city’s retail districts. The Thursday release of the report, though, only signals the start of the big job facing local economic development officials: to develop a work plan…
By Bob Seidenberg Members of the city’s Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 22 directed staff to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for consultants to conduct an economic impact study and lead a community engagement process to gather input on Northwestern University’s proposed Ryan Field project. Committee members voted unanimously in favor of the independent…
By Bob Seidenberg Residents, library staff and library volunteers, ranked relationship-building, an experienced public librarian, and transparent communicator as the qualities they would most like to see in the city’s next Executive Library Director, according to results of a survey released last week. Library Board of Trustees solicited feedback from residents, volunteers and staff in…
By Bob Seidenberg Crime, economics, peace of mind — small business members offered different reasons Feb. 9 at a meeting with city officials on why they went cashless. Evanston economic development officials held the meeting over Zoom, inviting feedback from businesses owners on an ordinance that would require Evanston businesses to accept cash payments from…
By Bob Seidenberg As one of the city’s oldest and largest employers, Mather has as its mission, helping people age well. That takes a lot of work — and a lot of employees. Speaking at the city’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting Jan. 26, Elizabeth Rose, the Vice President in charge of talent acquisition for…
By Bob Seidenberg After a tumultuous city Administration and Public Works Committee meeting earlier this month, the board members of the Artists Book House “looked at each other and said, ‘We need a board meeting,’ ” explained Audrey Niffenegger, the group’s founder and president in an interview last week. Two days later, the group told the…
