Evanston committee approves extension for Grant Street efficiency-home project

The Evanston Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously March 31 to introduce Ordinance 25-025, which extends the deadline for the developer of the efficiency-home project at 1915–1917 Grant Street to obtain building permits.

The ordinance, described at the meeting as an extension of time for a special-use authorization previously adopted by Ordinance 18-024, was moved by Council Member Ravel and passed on a roll-call vote. Council members recorded aye votes from Harcaras, Ravel, Burns, Nussbaum and Reid. The committee chair said the item is being introduced to City Council and, if adopted there, will return to the committee for further action.

The extension request drew sustained public comment from nearby residents who urged the committee to deny more time and raised questions about the developer's financing and the project's size and price. Pamela Powell Rosenbusch, a nearby resident, said the project had not started construction while other developments were proceeding and asked the committee to "do a little more homework on this…