Committee approves major variations for 30-unit development at 2206 Maple Avenue; members request clarity on tax-increment incentive

The Planning and Development Committee voted to approve ordinance 35,025, granting major variations to permit construction of a five-story, 30-unit multifamily building with 29 on-site parking spaces at 2206 Maple Avenue.

Council member Burns moved the motion and Council member Ravel seconded. The substantive discussion focused on the developer’s inclusion of 20% on-site affordable units and the financial trade-offs of a Cook County incentive referenced in the transcript as “HB 2,621.” Council member Kelly asked staff for a fuller presentation on the program’s tiers and the local fiscal impact, saying she wanted the committee to “be informed about HB 02/1980 [HB 2,621] … and the financial implications, in terms of tax dollars.”

Paul (identified in the transcript as a staff member) presented a summary sheet the committee had received and said, “It cost the city shy of $15,000 on average per year for 30 years,” referring to expected foregone property tax revenue under a 20% inclusionary housing scenario at higher-relief tiers. He added that the total city loss on that model would be about $450,000 over 30 years, while the developer’s modeled total property-tax savings was larger when county incentives were applied.

Members asked for a clearer breakdown of tier options, length of relief and city versus school-district revenue impacts. Council member Kelly requested a staff presentation on the three tiers of the county program before final council action so the body could assess whether tier 1, tier 2 or tier 3 made sense for Evanston on larger future projects. The committee approved the variations; Council member Kelly requested staff follow up with a more detailed fiscal presentation when the item returns to the council.