SEA Helps Bring Evanston “Streets Alive” Sept. 7

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Malik Turley, president of the Main Street Merchants Association (and owner of Hip Circle Studio) discusses Streets Alive

Imagine a street without cars, buses or motorcycles. A street teeming with people walking, riding bikes and enjoying fresh air and the ability to move about safely and freely. That’s what you can expect on Sunday, Sept. 7 in Evanston.

A one-mile stretch of Main Street — from Hinman Avenue to Dodge Avenue — will be closed to cars and opened to people for Streets Alive, Evanston’s “open streets” initiative. The community event, which debuted last year on Dempster Street, will bring residents together for an afternoon of fun and family time — all motorized vehicle free. From 1:00 to 6:00 pm, you can enjoy musical entertainment, art activities, yoga, bicycling, food trucks and more.

In keeping with our goal of fostering community and livable neighborhoods, the Southeast Evanston Association is proud to be a primary sponsor of Streets Alive. SEA’s booth will be on Main Street between Chicago and Hinman. Stop by and see us! We’ll be there to answer questions about our organization as well as support the participating community groups, businesses, elected officials and nonprofit organizations.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm on Main Street in Evanston. To learn more about Streets Alive, visit evanstonstreetsalive.org or email SEA board member Ted Glasoe at ted@tedglasoe.com.

Council resolutions for Autobarn expansion

 

On Monday night August 11, the City Council will address the final batch of agreements relating to The Autobarn’s expansion to a new facility at 222 Hartrey (site of the long-closed Shure Microphone factory).  The City previously approved agreements providing property tax reduction and TIF construction funding for the Hartrey property. 

Monday night’s resolutions are to approve:

1. a 4-year Sales Tax Sharing Agreement covering The Autobarn’s Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen dealerships, including a “good neighbor” agreement relating to access to the Hartrey property and
2. a Sales Tax Sharing Agreement covering The Autobarn’s new Fiat dealership on Chicago Avenue.  This second agreement requires The Autobarn, within one year of the opening of the Fiat dealership, to (a) relocate Mazda and Fiat service from Chicago Avenue to the Hartrey facility, (b) remove a door to the alley behind 1033 Chicago Avenue, and (c) install a sound-attenuating fence in the alley from 1015 to 1033 Chicago Avenue.  These provisions in part respond to long-standing concerns from The Autobarn’s Hinman Avenue neighbors about traffic volume and noise levels in the alley between them and The Autobarn. 

The City Council’s Agenda and Meeting Packet for August 11 will be posted two days prior to the meeting at the Council's web page.  Video of the meeting will be available at this same web page several days after the meeting.

How SEA sees it

The Southeast Evanston Association supports responsible development that is respectful to the neighborhood and beneficial to the city and all residents of Evanston.

More retail from the ground floor up

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Overview of the locations affected by the zoning change

An amendment to Evanston’s Zoning Code was reviewed at the May 21, 2014 meeting of the Zoning Committee of the Plan Commission. The amendment seeks to remove "office" and "financial institution" from the Permitted Use list in B1, B1a, B2, and B3 districts. This means that there would be a break put on any use of ground-level retain properties, amongst other places in Evanston, especially in the Dempster and Chicago and the Main and Chicago areas. Detailed maps of all the districts affected can be found on pages 78-88 of the Planning Commission's packet. This is an attempt to slow down the use of ground-level retail properties as offices. There is a belief that such use tends to undermine the ability of these districts to remain destination points for retail shoppers.

SEA applauds the efforts made to keep diverse retail alive and well in these neighborhoods.

Valet no way for North Shore Hotel

From the pending-approval draft of minutes from the May 28, 2014 Parking and Transportation Committee meeting we found the following:

The North Shore Residence Hotel requested an additional loading zone for the Crystal Ballroom on the Davis Street side to accommodate valet parking. Upon completion of their remodel, they will have access to a drive dedicated to their property. Due to the redevelopment of the 500 block of Davis, there is a high demand for parking and the loss of 3 parking spaces would be detrimental. Also, the proposed loading zone would be in close proximity to the new bike lane.

In general, the Committee was reticent to see parking spaces on Davis evaporate; it appears unwilling to stir up more congestion on Davis. Be sure to contact your Alderman with your opinion on the matter if this issue catches your interest.

Parks & Rec Director Joe McRae Discusses Lagoon Improvements

On Tuesday, April 22, Joe McRae extended his long workday as Evanston’s new Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services to join SEA’s monthly Board meeting.

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Lakefront construction in progress. ©2014 Ted Glasoe

Mr. McRae discussed the $1.4 million, yearlong project to widen permeable pathways and improve patio spaces and the stage area.  The plan also includes much-needed improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems that control the lagoon’s filtration and fountains.  McCrae said that no trees would be removed unless they are sick, dead or have been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer.  McRae, an Evanston resident and lakefront lover, called the Dawes Park lagoon his “Zen place” where he and all Evanston residents can enjoy all that the city has to offer:  beauty, nature, and community.  

Planned signage for the renovated lagoon

With improvements funded in large part by a $500,000 donation from the Arrington Foundation, the lagoon will be renamed in memory of W. Russell Arrington, who long represented Evanston in the Illinois House and Senate.  A permanent sign will be installed, as shown in this rendering.

Other funding will come from a state grant, and the city’s capital improvement program.
A large area around the lagoon is fenced off for construction for the rest of the summer, with an opening planned for Fall 2014.  McRae said that an alternative location and plans for 4th of July festivities are being discussed among multiple city departments.

HOW SEA SEES IT

It was a pleasure for our Board to have Joe McRae visit with us.  We appreciate his candor, honesty, humor, and enthusiasm for our beautiful city and its 92 public parks.