Committee approves purchase of 1222 Washington for $231,500 amid neighborhood concerns

The Administration and Public Works Committee voted to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract to purchase real property at 1222 Washington Street for $231,500, a step staff said is intended to secure a site for the Evanston Township High School (ETHS) geometry and construction program’s house and to facilitate permanent affordable housing through a land trust.

At the start of public comment, resident Beth Kearney said, "I am here to ask the city to deny the agenda item A11," citing lack of on‑street parking, the presence of a Catholic school and preschool on the block, and concern that the ETHS-built home would not "reflect the character of the neighborhood." Another resident, Clay Henley, said the parcel lacks alley access, asserted the assessed valuation was substantially lower, and questioned whether taxpayers should pay the proposed price.

Paul Zalmiak, economic development manager, responded that staff could only speak to facts about the transaction and the program. Zalmiak said the city received an appraisal for the property of about $165,000, and noted the contract price is above that appraisal. He said site issues such as parking and drainage remain to be worked out and that staff could seek on-site parking via a curb cut or an easement with an adjacent owner. He also said if due diligence does not resolve outstanding issues, the city can withdraw from the contract.

Director Flax (city staff involved in affordability programs) described how Community Partners for Affordable Housing’s land trust separates ownership of land from the house to reduce purchase cost and preserve permanent affordability. Flax said the houses are restricted to households at or below 120% of area median income and sometimes sold to lower-income buyers ("80 to 90% of area median," per Flax). Flax said the ETHS model is typically a two-story, three-bedroom, two-bath house and that the program has a multi‑year history in Evanston.

Council members raised concerns about neighborhood fit and design while also expressing support for securing the site so the vacant lot could be returned to productive use. Several members urged continued design conversations with ETHS and said the Urban Design Commission and comprehensive-plan work could shape future finishes and streetscape treatments. The committee voted 4-0 to approve the resolution authorizing purchase negotiations for 1222 Washington Street (Resolution 13-R-25).