Three months after the District 65 School Board agreed to try out an African-centered curriculum at Oakton Elementary School this fall, some residents were still complaining to the board tonight that it should have set up the program at Kingsley Elementary as well. “You have a responsibility to address the needs of children who are […]
Posted inEntertainment, Government
Aldermen back animal shelter expansion
Puppies won out over parks tonight in the annual dog fight for city capital improvement funds. Aldermen voted to pay $470,000 next year — about half the cost of a proposed expansion of the city’s animal shelter. The Community Animal Rescue Effort volunteer group has promised to raise the other half of the money. Susan […]
Posted inGovernment
Evanston prepares to fight ash borer
With confirmation of the emerald ash borer infestation in Kane County last week, City of Evanston Forestry crews are monitoring the city’s ash trees for any symptoms associated with the beetle and plan to respond promptly to all suspected sightings. With confirmation of the emerald ash borer infestation in Kane County last week, City of […]
Posted inGovernment, Real Estate
City considers new solar panel rules
The Plan Commission has unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt new regulations on solar collector panels. The rules would limit the placement of the energy-saving devices on homes and other buildings and in yards. In an effort to hide the panels from the view of passersby on the street, the ordinance requires that panels […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Evanston bucks violent crime trend
The FBI this week reported that violent crime increased 2.5 percent nationwide last year, with the biggest increase, 5.7 percent, in the Midwest. However, violent crime in Evanston declined 15 percent last year, according to figures compiled by Evanston police that are submitted to the FBI. The FBI reported that property crime declined 1.6 percent […]
Posted inEducation, Public Safety
Bus firm owner accused of hitting cop with car
The owner of the bus service that transports Evanston school children has been charged with striking an Evanston police officer with his car and then leaving the scene of the incident. The Evanston Review has details.
Posted inWellness
Evanston Hospital seeks to upgrade trauma service
Evanston Hospital plans to reapply for certification as a Level I trauma center, reversing a decision it made three years ago to downgrade to Level II status. The Evanston Review reports hospital officials have decided there’s enough need to justify having two Level I centers in Evanston.
Posted inBusiness, Government, Real Estate
Planners turn thumbs down on Optima
The Plan Commission last night voted to recommend that the City Council reject a proposal to build an 18-story condo, office and retail development at 1515 Chicago Ave. The commissioners said the project is too tall for the site in a transitional area at the edge of downtown and that the retail portion of the […]
Posted inGovernment, Real Estate
Planners shift direction on Kendall project
The Plan Commission’s straw vote two weeks ago rejecting the Smithfield Properties Kendall College redevelopment plan blew away with the wind tonight when the turnout of commissioners at the meeting changed. After rejecting the proposal 4 – 1 before, the commission deadlocked 3 – 3 on the planned development tonight, which has the effect of […]
Posted inBusiness
Kendall: History and price diversity
Historic preservation activist Judy Fiske says the Plan Commission’s rejection of Smithfield Properties redevelopment proposal for Kendall College offers hope for saving buildings on the site. The century-old Kendall College administration building “It’s the first time we’ve heard from the plan commissioners that they are interested in preserving at least one of the buildings,†Ms. […]
Posted inGovernment, Real Estate
Council OKs New Hope Church plans
The City Council Monday unanimously approved a special use request from the New Hope CME Church to construct a new church building at 2004-2010 Emerson Street. A sketch of the proposed church building as viewed from Emerson Street The council rejected a staff recommendation to deny the request and supported the recommendation of the Zoning […]
Posted inBusiness
Inclusionary housing picks up council support
Evanston aldermen voted 7 – 1 tonight to continue efforts to develop an inclusionary housing program for the city. The aldermen worked through provisions of the draft ordinance – reducing the size of the affordable component to 10 percent of all units from the 15 percent level suggested a few weeks ago and deciding to […]
Posted inGovernment, Real Estate
Council breathes new life into Carroll Place
The City Council tonight declined to accept the Plan Commission’s recommendation that it reject developer Robert King’s proposal for the 18-story, 165-unit Carroll Place development at 1881 Oak Ave. The aldermen voted 8 – 0 to have the city’s legal staff draft an ordinance approving the project, and scheduled a committee hearing on the proposal […]
Posted inBusiness
Council cuts water rate for most homeowners
The City Council has approved water rate changes designed to save the average user a buck or so a month. Currently the city charges a minimum water fee of $10.92 for all users every two months. Under the plan adopted tonight the minimum fee will vary based on the size of the customer’s water meter. […]
Posted inGovernment, Real Estate
Development projects hit a rough patch
The City Council tonight is scheduled to deal with the first of three major development projects totalling 364 housing units that the Plan Commission has rejected in recent weeks. The Carroll Place development — a proposed 18-story, 165 unit condominium project — goes before the Planning and Development Committee after receiving a 5 – 3 […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Motorcycle cop hit by car
A motorcycle police officer directing traffic for a Special Olympics Torch Run this morning was injured when he was struck by a car at Central Street and Green Bay Road. More from WBBM-TV.