As Evanston’s Plan Commission takes what’s expected to be its final look tonight at a plan for redeveloping the former Mayfair rail corridor, at least one resident is hoping the commissioners will vote to preserve part of it as a nature trail.
Looking south along the old right-of-way from Davis Street. (Al Swanson photo)
Al Swanson of 1561 Darrow Ave. says his home faces a two-block stretch of the old rail line that has become a virtual nature sanctuary with red-tailed hawks and other wildlife. He says the area also is filled with native Illinois prairie plants
The area is bordered on the west by a parking lot for Evanston Township High School. (Al Swanson photo)
The latest version of the consultant’s report for the area calls for expanding an existing Evanston Township High School parking lot into the site leaving only a narrow corridor for a bike path.
Mr. Swanson suggests that, a more natural environment from Lake Street to Davis Street with a biycle and walking path running through it, could become a destination for residents looking for natural greenspace.
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