Here’s a recap of our live coverage of this evening’s Evanston City Council Planning and Development Committee.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.
A packet with information on tonight’s agenda items is available online.
The aldermen are scheduled to consider two applications for vacation rental licenses, expansion plans for the YWCA and an ordinance that would restrict access to condo owners’ email addresses and phone numbers.
Meeting called to order at 7:17 p.m.
Minutes approved.
P 1 – Vacation rental for 2001 Orrington Avenue.
Alderman Judy Fiske, 1st Ward, says neighbors didn’t receive notice.
Property owner says has proof of notice being sent.
Fiske says still wants to hold until next meeting.
Says she thinks the proposal is wonderful.
P 2 – Vacation rental licens for 1109 Garnett
Owner says plans to have long-term tenants.
Fiske says will vote against the proposal.
Revelle says got email from neighbor objecting to the proposal.
Neighbor says the property is poorly maintained. Says have seen families moving back into the neighborhood. Surprised investor bought it. Says if B&Bs prices will continue to go up and be unaffordable to families.
Revelle says have talked in the past about having a broader discussion — suggests that be added to agenda for next time — regarding owner-occupancy requirement.
Alderman Melissa Wynne, 3rd Ward, says she thought had scheduled a discussion to come back after a year.
Johanna Leonard, community development director, says in January said would like to come back in a year.
Fiske asks if could do it it sooner.
Assistant City Manager Erika Storlie says can do it on July 9.
Linda Barr, 1110 Foster, says she’s opposed to having weekend guests. Says her taxes just got raised to $10K. Has been liing there 21 years.
Says at one time the neighborhood was residential. At some point changed to have investors and college kids there.
Says the city spent $41 million to develop downtown Evanston. People want to live walking distance to downtown and the lake. Says investors see the handwriting on the wall and expect to lose their cash cow.
Says no investors live in Evanston and don’t care about Evanston.
Vote is 3-3 with Wynne Fiske and Revelle voting no. Goes to Council with no committee recommendation.
P 3 – Resubdivision of 2652 Sheridan Road
Revelle says there’s no grounds to deny the subdivision — lot is big enough to split.
Rainey asks about ownership (now is Illinois Institute of Technology.)
Revelle says previous owner on his death gave the house to IIT, and they are in the process of trying to sell the property.
Plan is to subdivide and build two new houses on the property.
Approved.
P 4 – Special use permit for YWCA expansion
Alderman Peter Braithwaite, 2nd Ward, speaks in favor of the proposal. Says the YWCA does wonderful work in the community. Says the house will be used for staff offices.
Karen Singer, CEO of the YWCA, says the plan is a temporary one. Says last construction was in 1969. Says staff has doubled over the last 10 years.
Rainey says the two properties involved paid $12.7K in taxes in 2016 and the other paid $14.2K
So it will be a hit to the schools. “Every time we take a property off the tax rolls somebody gets hit,” Rainey says.
Singer says the YW serves a public good.
Rainey says at some point going to have to draw the line with hospitals, churches and other not for profits.
Approved. (Rainey says she’s opposed, but still voting yes.)
P 5 – Examination of records by unit owners
Fiske says she’s recommending suspension of the rules for approval tonight.
Mario Tretto, assistant city attorney, says an amendment to the state law that would exempt email and phones from disclosure is working its way through the legislature.
Fiske says it’s in response to privacy concerns about email addresses and phone numbers.
Alderman Don Wilson, 4th Ward, asks why the suspension of the rules?
Revelle says she’d like to not suspend the rules. Says there’s a condo in her ward where there’s an effort underway to deconvert the condo. Says a number of residents are very upset, worried might be losing their homes. Want to be able to communicate with fellow condo owners about their views.
Says info would only be available to fellow condo owners.
Fiske says in Chicago people don’t trust that the information won’t be sold to third parties.
Revelle moves for introduction only.
P 6 – Resubdivision of 1727 Oak
Approved 5-1. Fiske votes no.
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
City Council meeting to start at 8 p.m.