Evanston moves forward with ambitious 2045 development plan

The City of Evanston is moving forward with its Envision Evanston 2045 plan, which includes a comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and map amendment. This initiative has been in development for approximately eight months, with public hearings and community engagement already underway. The Land Use Commission is set to transition into the legislative phase by the end of the year, as outlined in a recent government meeting.

Chair Rogers highlighted the collaborative efforts between city staff and the commission, noting that while neither party is fully satisfied with the outcomes, this indicates a productive negotiation process. Ms. Williams, a key staff member, presented an updated timeline for the project, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping the zoning code.

The upcoming meetings will address various topics, including parking minimums and the identification of centers and corridors within the community. A significant focus will be on housing diversity, with discussions planned around allowing duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in residential zones. This aligns with the overarching goal of providing equitable housing choices throughout Evanston.

The schedule includes a series of public hearings starting in November, where community members will have opportunities to provide feedback on the comprehensive plan and zoning changes. Notably, the commission plans to break the zoning ordinance into two segments for easier discussion, ensuring a thorough examination of the proposed changes.

As the process unfolds, additional meetings may be required, prompting discussions about budget adjustments to accommodate the extended timeline. The commission aims to finalize recommendations on the comprehensive plan and zoning amendments by December 18, 2023, marking a significant step in the city's long-term planning efforts.