Here’s a recap of our live coverage of the Evanston City Council Planning and Development Committee Meeting.
A packet with information on tonight’s agenda items is available online.
Meeting called to order at 7:18 p.m.
Minutes approved.
Loan to HODC for $20K for restroom at Claridge Apartment building at 319 Dempster.
Alderman Ann Rainey, 8th Ward, asks for report on status of affordable housing fund, the source of funding for this program. Says it’s been a long time since the council dealt with the issue.
Says this project makes perfect sense.
Alderman Melissa Wynne, 3rd Ward, says it’s a very good proposal. Says it will help reduce fire calls for people locked out of their units. Says it is a move forward for what’s been a problematic building.
Approved.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program amendment. Related story.
Approved.
Special use for Starbucks, 1734 Sherman Ave.
Moving from existing location at 1726 Sherman.
Alderman Fiske says the new location will be “bigger and better.”
Approved.
Referral to Plan Commission regarding text Amendment to zoning ordinance increasing production limit for distilleries.
Approved
Fountain Square Fountain condition update. Discussion item.
Fiske says veterans groups want to keep the veterans memorial at the Fountain Square site.
Says is thinking of perhaps having a competitive design event to come up with new design for the square.
City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz says it’s a broader question — maintenance is an issue — but perhaps this is an appropriate time to rethink the fountain that’s there. Perhaps the 150th anniversary of the city is an appropriate time to think of that.
So, should we look for a new fountain, or not?
Could be contributions of various sizes. But its a large project. First stop is a council committee.
Fiske says could be talking about up to $1 million, depending on the design.
Want to create a square that’s more of a community asset, brings people to and draws attention to the historic center of downtown.
Fiske, jokingly, says maybe get World of Beer involved … the beer fountain.
Wynne says doesn’t like the existing fountain –looks like it was designed in the ’70s. Would support having staff do some research and having a community-wide fundraising effort.
Rainey moves that staff be directed to take next steps. Look at fountains in other communites, investigate holding design competition, etc.
Approved.
C&ED Director Steve Griffin announces that there’s no agenda items for a P&D meeting in two weeks, so the next committee meeting will be a month from now.
Meeting adjourned.
Tonight’sCity Council meeting to begin at 7:45 p.m.