[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6303447,"mediaKeyId","2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf","parentId",2472620,"title","Neighbors ask pause after city negotiates purchase of 1222 Washington; say block’s only private green space at risk","audioSeconds",245,"startMs",6066000,"endMs",6311000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf&start=6066&end=6311","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf/thumbnail_6066000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303447/Evanston/Cook-County/Illinois/Neighbors-ask-pause-after-city-negotiates-purchase-of-1222-Washington-say-blocks-only-private-green-space-at-risk","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303447-1d990524a6cc857fa2da570acf50f965/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164022&Signature=LtMS15324e5UTnG~dIdlm9ut9bhx~UIkc95yU2gUZMVyvBbkPPtYC5XmYNHiCWzXH6KpLu2ckWpGrAvWVGvR1agC-FXfBHZXxUQlx~Gm38EFKE3ng55jjtDSzfTKbA85N7KaE59Ggh2qVZ42ZHpiGUvHV-jqjAvYwIWD7~qNiA6yK7QFRLnbQXpto9d6lkufjHOcPIKtJaNSH6INYRaT38EEtYgxh-6zNSvB1~cV5y5rJAfhc2OQACNQBpfsUK5iq79Ew2sONl~IodpiYBdNIQeBjGU1SnPpTR3vHiiMCR6gwW1wkXG4HLSHFJR-g6891QQDRiEEdxnbLs0izxi6kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Evanston, IL","date","2025-03-03T19:23:21.827Z","article","Neighbors representing properties near 1222 Washington urged the Land Use Commission to pause a proposed city purchase and planned affordable‑housing project so the community can review environmental and social impacts.

Multiple residents from the Ninth Ward said the backyard lot is the only remaining private green space on a block dominated by institutions, including the Lydia Home (a residential care facility the speakers said houses 30–40 adolescents), a school, a church and a daycare. Beth Cerny told commissioners the block is “uniquely ecologically and sociologically highly stressed,” and asked the commission to provide an objective review and more time for neighbor input.

Tom Doyle, who said school‑neighboring institutions generate frequent emergency responses on the block, asked the commission to “put an immediate pause on this project for a lot of the very reasons that have already been stated,” adding that neighbors had not been included in earlier negotiations. He said he believes negotiations were advanced by the alderman without neighborhood collaboration.

City staff responded that the project is not on the Land Use Commission docket and no planning application had been submitted. A staff member said the City Council had approved negotiation authority related to 1222 Washington at a recent council meeting but that staff had not received a formal application for the use; whether the item will come before the commission depends on the application and permits needed. Staff also noted that a plan proposed by a school partner would not meet accessory‑dwelling‑unit size limits and would require subdivision or other approvals.

Why it matters: The request highlights potential conflicts between short‑term affordable‑housing initiatives and neighborhood environmental and institutional context. Neighbors requested a transparent process that includes environmental and tree‑canopy review, and staff confirmed that procedural steps and required permits would determine the project’s next formal review.

What was requested: Neighbors asked the commission for an objective review or at minimum an opportunity to comment in advance of any finalized purchase or permit approvals; staff advised that formal review would take place through permitting and that affected neighbors should submit comments and ask staff for updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Land Use Commission Meeting 2-26-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors of a small vacant lot at 1222 Washington, adjacent to several institutional properties, asked the Land Use Commission to help pause a proposed project tied to an affordable‑housing effort. City staff said council had authorized negotiations but no application had yet been filed with planning staff.","taxTitle","Evanston, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",2640,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303452,"Residents split on zoning and housing: advocates urge reform, neighbors press preservation",281,4006000,4287000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf&start=4006&end=4287","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf/thumbnail_4006000.jpg","/articles/6303452/Evanston/Cook-County/Illinois/Residents-split-on-zoning-and-housing-advocates-urge-reform-neighbors-press-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303452-e441c4102ad7478d190aae6f83a4b9ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164022&Signature=kAGWdDjWzTZrrkzsq3h02shrJx4LxbA9NMRT6hJiAB1TZh-peYxGcJNloqtLmOob0uZ7D2c3Zv59Sv~nHi6lijIM5Qmn76fv2H8uv2arC7lyMHRNX2Gkzja~OLsyPFEDiKSVxpVltDGxNIAK-L9KRAdhCk~4c2JlB6cuNW4HQAXOZqwlbzmA39gBkVOWZC8C95j4SxMgYktRh8OT3Kg3sNWLh16EQBtfj1k9W0nWuPBbR5JiQ5pAXdXoydRIdb63mM5Cq5xV1nRFe-rKCHayhJfs8wkb3K8WuEeU6KH16S3zrP6WBNN68G4MDQD~YuxXtK1gKVZJSgmkBpWmWqSBZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Land Use Commission hearing on Feb. 26 produced sharply divided public testimony on zoning, housing affordability and neighborhood character.

Sarah Friedman, a Sixth Ward resident, spoke in favor of allowing more housing options in single‑family areas, saying she and neighbors hosted discussions about zoning and “have heard no hesitancy toward the idea of upzoning in the Sixth Ward.” Scott Roberts, speaking for the Say Yes to Duplexes campaign, urged the plan to explicitly recognize duplexes and historic double houses as part of Evanston’s housing fabric, saying those forms predate modern residential zoning and provide lower‑cost ownership opportunities.

Opponents warned that broad upzoning would damage neighborhood character, increase congestion and not necessarily produce affordable units. Architect and First Ward resident Michelle Klabeck cited U.S. Census data showing a stable or declining population and a 7% vacancy rate and questioned whether “significant additional housing” is the right approach in Evanston. Multiple speakers including Steve Tuss and Julia Foragash urged that single‑family neighborhoods be preserved except where a transparent, community‑led process identifies specific lots appropriate for denser uses.

Housing advocates and nonprofit leaders told the commission the draft’s chapter 10 policy recommendations on housing provide a framework to support affordability, but they urged stronger narrative language tying the plan’s metrics (income inequality, life expectancy gaps, housing cost burden) to explicit equity priorities. Sue Lohlbach of Connections for the Homeless—speaking for Joining Forces for Affordable Housing—noted the draft’s policies are “based on evidence and emerging best practices” but said the narrative portions are broad and “open to interpretation” and would benefit from clearer emphasis on equity.

Speakers who addressed the mechanics of affordability noted that market‑rate upzoning is not a direct substitute for subsidized affordable housing. Several commenters urged the city to pair zoning flexibility with targeted tools—subsidies, nonprofit partnerships, community land trusts, or incentives—to produce permanently affordable units.

Preservation advocates asked for stronger language and an institutional mechanism to ensure design quality. Jack Weiss of Design Evanston recommended strengthening text that currently references a “design review committee” so it specifically directs the city to “establish a community design commission comprised of professional designers and related experts” rather than a light‑touch advisory group.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan’s narrative and policy phrasing will shape the conversation about eventual zoning changes; commissioners and staff noted the need for the plan to reflect competing priorities and for subsequent zoning code work to provide detailed implementation measures.

What was requested of the commission: Multiple speakers asked commissioners to clarify what “character” means in the plan; preservation groups requested stronger protection language and a path for a community design commission; housing advocates urged clearer equity‑focused narrative and a follow‑up strategic housing plan to move policy toward concrete programs and funding.","Public commenters were sharply divided during the Land Use Commission hearing: housing advocates and some residents urged zoning reform and more housing options; other residents and preservation groups warned against broad upzoning and urged protections for single‑family character and historic fabric.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6303457,"City staff unveils Version 2 of Envision Evanston 2045; commission reopens hearing and sets review timeline",50,369000,419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf&start=369&end=419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2472620-f8a2e4f515c705eb1b4db41d9e51bcdf/thumbnail_369000.jpg","/articles/6303457/Evanston/Cook-County/Illinois/City-staff-unveils-Version-2-of-Envision-Evanston-2045-commission-reopens-hearing-and-sets-review-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303457-242d7c5e18be9d39dd14a645adb311ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164022&Signature=nGsEzR68ps0crVc~JDbXbG1-4a16wlWDiRJLRgHQ1yeKeshXbgV8EgmHEM6GQ4y0T~JjPxMq1PEoYyBG8iU9KWNa7-nsMNn5xdfmG3PGDipyxLptzhxhpGP6ENwIQOJdp9UuyTv8BW2AbsfIwq-ZGrnnybQMhetfGV4kOp5BxN5BKouTp37kIFpshg-CY6YTQ~hAlmFcxBhIDCxPJWXV4ShmpA2~0X2212IrHxD-Up9vHROGdt0ciw~5amOS1o~aWBgi-RcPo~K-vOeSp0XNjUFyt1FBj1sQw~BOfc2VIKlh~~RkSxzJLJfEbPkk3n7XppOmCf5FluJHFc4bpkthtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Evanston planning staff presented Version 2 of the city’s comprehensive plan on Feb. 26, saying the draft incorporates public feedback collected in Phase 1 and adds new chapters and metrics to guide land use and implementation.

Neighborhood and land use planner Megan Jones introduced the document at the Land Use Commission’s public hearing, saying the second draft “has been adapted heavily to reflect that community engagement.” She told the commission the city had recorded about 5,700 website visits, more than 2,500 survey responses and 79 public engagement activities during Phase 1.

The revised draft adds several chapters and appendices and tightens cross‑references, staff said. New chapters include an introduction, “What We Heard and Vision Statement,” “Community Systems,” “Health and Well‑Being,” and an implementation chapter. Staff also said they streamlined the transportation chapter and strengthened links to the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP).

Staff described the draft’s approach to treating the comprehensive plan as a “living” document. Planning manager Liz Williams said the plan envisions an annual staff‑and‑commission work plan plus a five‑year check‑in on metrics (demographics, housing, workforce indicators) to track progress and consider amendments. “Really, you should think of the comprehensive plan as a living, breathing document that we’re actively revisiting on an annual basis,” a staff presenter said.

The commission voted to reopen the public hearing so residents and boards could offer more comment on the new draft. Chair Chay Linwal proposed a schedule of additional meetings: the commission will begin focused chapter reviews in March (tentatively March 12 and March 19) and aim for further sessions in April to compile redline language and recommendations to forward to city council.

Commissioners and staff emphasized process details for public participation. Alison Leifsiger, policy and intergovernmental affairs manager, said staff will accept written comments through the Land Use Commission comment form on the city website and can receive larger attachments by email. Staff also said limited in‑house GIS capacity can produce working maps if commissioners identify which maps they need, but a consultant would be required for polished cartography.

On process questions, staff said the zoning code update that would implement parts of the comprehensive plan is not being considered concurrently: the zoning chapter update will follow the comprehensive planning process. Staff also noted that some types of updates—like adding a new historic district—could be handled administratively rather than by a formal amendment process.

The commission and staff set a tentative review approach: split the plan into manageable chapter sets for focused meetings, request that boards and commissions provide chapter‑specific feedback, and have staff prepare suggested text edits where possible for the commission to deliberate. The public hearing was formally continued to March 12 at the meeting’s close.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan sets citywide goals that guide later zoning decisions and capital investments; how the commission frames objectives, metrics and the plan’s amendment rules will shape the next phases of zoning code updates and implementation.

What comes next: Staff and commissioners will collect written comment, solicited chapter‑by‑chapter feedback from other boards and commissions, and convene the scheduled March sessions to start working through specific language changes and priorities.","City planning staff presented a revised draft of the Envision Evanston 2045 comprehensive plan, highlighting new chapters, engagement metrics and an implementation approach with annual work plans and five‑year checks. The Land Use Commission reopened the public hearing and tentatively scheduled focused chapter review sessions in March and April.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors ask pause after city negotiates purchase of 1222 Washington; say block’s only private green space at risk

Residents split on zoning and housing: advocates urge reform, neighbors press preservation

City staff unveils Version 2 of Envision Evanston 2045; commission reopens hearing and sets review timeline