Here’s a recap of our live coverage of this afternoon’s meeting of the Evanston City Council Planning and Development Committee.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
A packet with information on the agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 4:38 p.m.
Six members present Wynne, Wilson, Rue Simmons, Suffredin, Revelle and Rainey. Alderman Wynne chairs.
P1 – Northlight Theatre planned development extension
Approved 6-0.
P2 – Special Use 2223 Washington St.
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In public comment Tina Paden falsely claims that there’s been no opportunity for public comment on the proposal.
Wynne says the item has followed the regular city approval process.
Carlis Sutton urges rejection of the project.
Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director, says there are no zoning variances requested for the project — only the special use permit.
Alderman Don Wilson, 4th Ward, says the proposal looks like an appropriate use for the site and he supports it.
Alderman Eleanor Revelle, 7th Ward, says it looks like a really interesting proposal.
Wynne says she agrees. (Also supports suggestion from Revelle to conduct a traffic study after COVID is over.)
Rainey says these are all neighborhood services that people can use. Thinks its a pretty satisfying project. Glad to see it come to fruition.
Approved 5-0-1. Rue Simmons abstains.
D1 – Discussion of expanding mailed notices for land entitlement cases to include rental units
Nyden says only send notices to property owners now. Uncertain at this point what additional cost would be.
Wilson asks whether the postal service has a database?
Nyden says not clear. Would like to have direction before investing more staff time.
Nyden says includes ZBA, Plan Commission and proposals material reviewed by staff.
Revelle says since applicant is required to pay — it could be a significant additional cost.
Rainey says could be an enormous expense when large buildings are involved. Suggests asking property owners to inform tenants.
Wynne suggests finding out what the cost would be. Rainey says the cost could be prohibitive.
Rainey says just shouldn’t burden the person making the request with the added cost.
Nyden says will explore options.
Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.
Rules Committee meeting to start at 5:15 p.m.