The city announced Thursday that the Central Street neighborhood in north Evanston will be the recipient of a national award, to be granted at a press conference at Independence Park on Friday.
In breaking the news on its website, the city invited the community to attend the conference at 3 p.m. at the park, located at Central Street and Stewart Avenue, to “find out why we’re so excited.”
The designation of Central Street as “one of 10 great neighborhoods for 2013,” is expected to come from the Washington, D.C.-based American Planning Association.
On its website, the APA lists a number of characteristics that it considers in making its “Great Neighborhood” awards.
The neighborhood should have a variety of “functional attributes,” such as residential, commercial, or mixed uses.
It should accommodate multi-modal transportation, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
It should have design and architectural features that are visually interesting.
It should encourage human contact and social activities.
It should promote community involvement and maintain a secure environment.
It should promote sustainability and respond to climatic demands.
It should have a memorable character.
Representatives of the Central Street Neighbors Association, the Central Street Business Association, business patrons, students, and neighbors, as well as local political leaders, are expected to be on hand Friday when the award is officially presented.
What?
If you read the list of criteria to get this award, shouldn't every commercial street in Evanston have won? This sounds like a non-news news event!
Central Street is one of the most historic areas in Evanston
Sounds like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. If you go to the APA's website you will see the numerous reasons that the Central Street Neighborhood sets itself apart from many other neighborhoods, not only in Evanston but across the United States.
http://www.planning.org/greatplaces/neighborhoods/2013/
Why spend your time spouting sour grapes instead of celebrating that people outside of Evanston recognize what an outstanding place Evanston is. This award recognizes the Central Street Neighborhood but not at the exclusion of the rest of Evanston. It brings a spotlight to Evanston as a whole as an exceptional city.
I still don’t buy it
Todd, I went to the website and after further review, I stand my ground on this one, a non-news news event.