Lake Bluff council considers zoning changes for mixed-use development at Evanston Avenue

The Village of Lake Bluff held a government meeting on June 3, 2025, addressing several key agenda items, including zoning changes and community development plans. The meeting began with the removal of Item 11 from the consent agenda, which involved a second reading of an ordinance for a mixed-use development at 570 Evanston Avenue. This item was postponed for further discussion at the next meeting scheduled for June 9.

Following the procedural adjustments, the board moved to approve the consent agenda minus Item 11, which passed unanimously. The discussion then opened for public comments regarding the postponed item. Resident Jean Nimi Mills, who lives adjacent to the proposed development site, expressed her concerns about the potential zoning changes that could allow for taller buildings in the area. Mills highlighted her long-standing commitment to the community and her previous investments in her home, emphasizing that the proposed development contradicts the village's existing zoning regulations and comprehensive plan.

Mills articulated her support for multifamily housing in Lake Bluff but insisted that the specific site in question should not exceed two stories. She raised concerns about the impact of increased traffic and noise on her property and the surrounding neighborhood, urging the board to consider alternative locations for development that align better with community needs.

In response, Tom Dobbins, the architect for the proposed project, defended the development, stating that it had received unanimous support from the Planning Commission and the Architectural Board of Review. He noted that the project would not proceed without the village's backing and acknowledged the need for further discussions to address new information that had emerged.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to continue evaluating the community's feedback and the implications of the proposed zoning changes. The next meeting is anticipated to further explore these issues, with community members encouraged to participate in the ongoing dialogue about development in Lake Bluff.