Here’s a recap of our live coverage of Monday night’s Evanston City Council Planning and Development Committee meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 5:55 p.m.

Only one item on the agenda for consideration — a proposal to abolish the city’s Design and Project Review Committee. Details about the proposal are available online.

Meeting called to order at 5:58 p.m.

Ald. Eleanor Revelle (7th) chairs.

Minutes approved.

P1 – Design and Project Review Committee

Referral was made by Ald. Tom Suffredin (6th). He’s not here tonight. Revelle says the issue therefore should be tabled, but wants to have discussion tonight.

Ald. Devon Reid (8th) says he wants to get rid of the committee, claims the staff-only structure is inappropriate, but should be a way give it feedback.

Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) says there is a benefit to have staff meet with developers, get everybody in the room to discuss issues. Says eliminating the committee would be counter productive to having public involvement.

Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) says she agrees with Suffredin and Reid that committee should be abolished.

Revelle says should have a better understanding of how process can work effectively.

Community Development Director Johanna Nyden notes at this point (6:04 p.m.) that the committee has lost its quorum. Ald. Reid, who had left the podium, then returns.

(Committee has seven members and only three were present after Reid left.)

Meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

Bill Smith is the editor and publisher of Evanston Now.

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