It has been a sincere pleasure for the Central Street Business Association to Co-Sponsor "Spring Community Day on Central Street" with the Central Street Neighbors Association. I have to say that this event was tailor made for the two groups to work togther. CSBA is very grateful for the financial sharing of putting on this event as well as "the feet on the street" that assured that this event would be a great success. From all early reports, it definitely was just that. I commend the officers of the Central Street Neighbors Assoc. for staying on top of all their tasks and making my job much easier. I look forward to having this opportunity again in the future. (Maybe 4th of July, Hint Hint) Thanks again to all who participated.
Best,
Todd Ruppenthal - President
Central Street Business Association - CSBA
I've attended the last several years and always find great conversations and something new. Last year we bought a couple of rain barrels and have saved close to 1000 gallons of water this year. Well worth a stop by.
The North Branch library, if fully paid for from property tax levy, would account for a miniscule fraction – about 1/1000th – of the tax that Evanston property-owners pay. For the last full year in which two branches were operated, operating costs were roughly $5.33 per Evanston resident for both neighborhood branches combined. The "savings" from closing the South Branch will be, gross, about $5 on a $5,000 property tax bill, and it would be the same or less if the North Branch were closed. Meanwhile, there would be associated and offsetting economic losses to the City.
All theories of economic development involve stimulating resident, visitor, shopper and pedestrian traffic in commercial districts. A visionary approach to the library system, to a more sustainable Evanston of 76,000 residents, and to neighborhood equity would establish and maintain three neighborhood branch libraries (roughly NW, SW, and SE to complement the northeasternly-located Main Branch). The cost is a pittance compared to the benefit.
As to the other expenditures Jen cites, I won't comment here except to note that this community obviously has resources notwithstanding the constant poor-mouthing. Most do not dispute the basic concept of priming the pump a little on economic development. However, efficacy, and reflection of community values, need to figure more into that mix. The basic logic of maintaining and even expanding a full-service, all-neighborhood library system seems to have gotten temporarily lost in conversations about control, and posturing over power.
John, I think we agree- the immediate question is not whether there should be an outpost, it is whether it should be in Domincks. There is a line being crossed here between public/private domains and there was little discussion. Domicks has a need but putting a police outpost is not the only soultion. The other issue which arises is how is the public engaged and like you mentioned public hearing.
One of the problems that mall has had with getting other anchors and uses is that Domicks has lots of control over the parking lot, thereby limiting what tenants would be able to come. What we need is a way to have more opportunties for postive police public interaction.
While I appreciate the concerns raised by Ms. Fonda, I can also sympathize with Dominick's management. The shopping mall at Dodge and Dempster has struggled to succeed. Dominick's is the anchor of the mall. The mall needs to project an image of being a safe place to shop and do business. If an outpost will help do so, then it is justified.
Perhaps, however, the outpost does not need to be located within the store. There is much vacant space that the outpost could occupy. An outpost elsewhere in the mall would serve to protect all the surrounding businesses and residents. My hope is that the need for an outpost would not be forever warranted and that, in time, it could be re-located to other areas that may be in need or closed to save money.
That said, public hearings should be held. Augmenting private security is not what most people would consider "economic development". I am always in favor of exploring new ideas, but recently, many City ideas, e.g. closing Chandler or tailgate parking on the golf course, have surfaced in a way that causes alarm among residents. A better way to engage the public from the very beginning needs to be found.
John LoSasso, President of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Association, and a group of concerned neighbors will meet at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 9 on the patio of the American Legion Hall (between Central and Lincoln) to provide an update on recent management and planning activities related to the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course and to begin to develop a plan for the future continuation of this unique community golf course. All residents of Evanston and Wilmette are invited to attend this meeting and to provide their valued input.
In addition to everything else going on in the city, and in the golf association, relative to the status of the golf course and the association's ability to meet its obligations, those of us who live on Bryant north of Central received a letter outlining a plan to permit parking on the 10th fairway during home football games this fall. Two of the games are posted as night games on the NW schedule. This plan was done without any input from the community or the residents. The letter - from Ald. Grover - made it sound like a done deal, with the City Council and a committee set to approve this plan on July 11.
Evanston Terraces, which immediately borders the course, would be adversely affected by parking. Homes north and west of us, already facing traffic (auto and people) congestion during games, will face an additional burden. Potetntial for revelry and partying is a concern. Past history of parking on the 10th gives us pause. Our association has written to the city to express its concern that the decision was made without adequate community review and providing a succinct list of reasons why this is a bad idea and not good for us, our community or the golf course. We believe it is a short sighted and short term solution. The golf association needs a long term financial plan, one that enhances it as a golf course and green space, not as a parking lot.
First, we should have our city manager explain to us what he means by "least connected mission with the community." Certainly how many people use a city facility is an important consideration. Yet, perhaps the most compelling reason to keep Chandler-Newberger open is that it provides a broad publc good. The Center has a variety of programs for both adults and children. One of the most important measures of a good community or city is whether or not it provides a broad range of activities for its residents. Many people move to Evanston or want to live in Evanston because it isn't just a place to live but a community filled with activities and services, not just restaurants and condos. If we destroy this aspect of our community, to resolve a short-term budget crisis, then we are undermining the character and intrinsic value of our community. From an economic standpoint, selling public property in a depressede maket is folly and only good for those who are able to buy it at bargain prices. And, once public assets are sold, will we ever get them back?
We learned on Friday, June 17, 2011 that the developer of the property that formerly housed the CTA building at Chancellor and Bryant is now selling the propety. There were plans for attached (two units) townhomes at this site - they were approved by the city and reviewed by Evanston Terraces Condo Association and complied with zoning. We were surprised to learn of the decision to sell - this means that financing is still hard to get for new development. The developer did invest in an architect and demolition of the old building, and got the property for a "deal." It is now for sale for $495K. We should monitor this site to assure that it will remain residential and maintained.
Football fields are 360 feet long. Don't forget the endzones.
Your point about planning documents and municipalities is right on. Old planning guidance documents line the shelves of planning departments everywhere. They usually sit dormant after the final draft, each volume representing hundreds of thousands of wasted dollars.
IMO, the best part of this development was the prospect of a Mexican restaraunt opening somewhere on Central St. Anything but another over-priced, mediocre Thai/Sushi place.
The start time for the City's Human Services Committee meeting scheduled for Monday June 3 has been changed to 7:30 pm, for those who are planning to attend.
...as opposed to a "spotted fox." Seriously, yesterday, as Nancy and I turned onto Harrison from Ewing, I had to brake as what we initially thought was a dog, but quickly realized was a large northern red fox, crossed the street in front of us. I got out and tried to snap a pic with my phone but between trying to get to the camera app, follow the fox, and shoot, was unsuccessful. He (or she) trotted into one yard's hedges, came back out, continued to walk/trot along the bushes and plants of several houses, obviously aware of me but not running away, more intent on the hunt or exploration than on some would-be photographer. I maintained visual for about a minute until he disappeared either down the alley or onto Lincoln, around a garage.
From the size -- I'd estimate 20 lb. or more, maybe 3' nose to tail tip -- I believe it was a male. I've never seen one so big (nor so close except in captivity). He had a healthy-looking brownish-orange coat, with a whiter underbelly and darker legs, and of course the lovely pointed ears. It was a breathtaking encounter with a strikingly poised and graceful creature.
...was not the one making the unsustainable policy decisions or reaping (most) of the profits from unsustainable acts. No environmentalist denies that many past societal practices had to change. US energy and fuel consumption increased until about the year I graduated from high school; it was Baby Boomers that changed those habits. Yet food, soda pop, bottled water, and housing materials use has only climbed, as has electricity consumption.
By any measure those alive on the earth right now consume more resources than previous generations, both in the USA and outside it, so it's really wrong to make a sweeping generational argument. Even within generations there are stark differences, and contradictions; "back then" many fought injustice as well. The point of the article was that there were practices and ideas in the past, too, that in fact were more sustainable, and did represent a simpler way of life. The wise thing is to find the best practices from every era.
I've been a huge fan of Mr Dulin's ever since Venice Cafe, and I was a regular at Tuscan Market. I'll definitely be making the trip to Evanston for the new place!
The people that didn't have the "Green Thing back then" are also the ones that have left us a legacy of industrial pollution in our lakes, rivers, and streams. They decimated natural areas in the name of progress under the guise of development or extracting natural resources in the most unsustainable ways imaginable.
These people also propogated segregation and sexism. Sure they used drinking fountains, they just had better make sure they used the one that was specific to their skin color.
The reference to Secret Wilmette Tomato Basil Soup has me stumped -- too in-foodie a reference for this paisan -- but I will vouch for the gelato. Last week, before Easter, L&V had seductive heaps of a purple flavor I'd never seen: "Peeps." Brilliant.
Linz & Vail also generously offers up their front space for live music during most Retail Therapy events. Their barristas are among the most cool-debonair on the Shore. The bulletin board usually has some choice tidbits. And of course there's a 50% chance that any given morning you'll see, in the corner, some power breakfast ongoing. Not sayin' who. Just sayin'.
Did we mention the coffee grounds for your garden? (ask nicely). See, someone is keepin an eye out.
Thanks for checking in, Linz & Vail! You guys rock!
Hello Neighbors, Thank you for reminding us of the wonderful food options on Central Street. If we may, we'd like to share with our fellow neighbors what Linz and Vail has to offer. Besides being a favorite coffeehouse for many, and besides having the best gelato in town, we have a limited but delish food menu: Fresh Bagels from NY Bagel & Bialy in Skokie - Locallly Baked Artisan Pastries - Tomato Basil Bisque Soup that has been said to be as good as one gourmet restaurant in downtown Wilmette, Chicken Salad on Mulit-grain, and more. We don't do a lot - but what we do we do well. Surprised? Come see what you're missing.
Borders apparently changed its mind. Dumb decision. The Wilmette store -- already often faster to get to for much of North Evanston -- would have picked up a lot of the traffic lost from the downtown Evanston store.
Like many parents with children in the Evanston school systems, I have met many excellent teachers. However, I was also privy to many conversations with other parents about teachers to avoid and indeed, met teachers I felt should've retired or sought another career.
The subject of teacher tenure has been raised by J.B. Rees and nationally has been a Republican issue. I support labor in general, but I feel somewhat conflicted about tenure's local impact upon my children.
What are other Evanstonians opinions about this issue?
State Senator Jeff Schoenberg was one of the unnamed legislators referred to in the main story above. This state senate district, of course, already pays some of the highest property taxes in Cook County, largely to support schools such as Evanston's and New Trier. Taking away, for many, the property tax credit at the same time that they were hit with an income tax increase would have increased the pain for some (including our elected officials, who have been getting an earful). Schoenberg by his own account pushed back hard and was successful in getting the tax credit change rolled back before final passage.
Speaking of ears, I had bent Robyn Gabel's for a few seconds on this topic when I ran into her at the state officer inauguration in Springfield the weekend before the bill passed, but am not sure what role if any she played on this.
It's a tough task to reconcile philosophy with fiscal reality. In theory, replacing the 5% credit for property taxes with a flat $325 for every property-owning taxpayer would be considered "progressive" since the greatest benefit is to those who own less expensive properties (those with tax bills less than $6,500), and the benefit of the flat credit is propertionally less, the greater one's land holdings. However, the juxtaposition with the income tax increase made such a move too politically charged.
In the primary election for state representative a year go, a number of us supported tax reform along the basic lines of HB 174. I felt, however, that any income tax increase needed to be accompanied by reform of the mechanism for school funding, which is overly dependent on property taxes, and that Illinois needs a progressive tax structure. That's the "other shoe." As necessary to address Illinois's fiscal crisis as an income tax increase might have been, a lot of folks expected that some reform would also be included to make the medicine go down a little easier. The fact that that didn't happen, and that we still have a basically regressive revenue mechanism in Illinois, is one of the reasons many taxpayers are howling.
Just an increase isn't enough. Common sense budgeting and the even more important task of tax fairness are just some of the work that remains undone in Springfield.
It has been a sincere pleasure for the Central Street Business Association to Co-Sponsor "Spring Community Day on Central Street" with the Central Street Neighbors Association. I have to say that this event was tailor made for the two groups to work togther. CSBA is very grateful for the financial sharing of putting on this event as well as "the feet on the street" that assured that this event would be a great success. From all early reports, it definitely was just that. I commend the officers of the Central Street Neighbors Assoc. for staying on top of all their tasks and making my job much easier. I look forward to having this opportunity again in the future. (Maybe 4th of July, Hint Hint) Thanks again to all who participated.
Best,
Todd Ruppenthal - President
Central Street Business Association - CSBA
I've attended the last several years and always find great conversations and something new. Last year we bought a couple of rain barrels and have saved close to 1000 gallons of water this year. Well worth a stop by.
For a report on the forum, see Feedback from the March 31 Forum on this website.
For an update on this project as it came out of the 8/31 SPAARC meeting, see Update: SPAARC OKs Upsized Eastwood Project.
The North Branch library, if fully paid for from property tax levy, would account for a miniscule fraction – about 1/1000th – of the tax that Evanston property-owners pay. For the last full year in which two branches were operated, operating costs were roughly $5.33 per Evanston resident for both neighborhood branches combined. The "savings" from closing the South Branch will be, gross, about $5 on a $5,000 property tax bill, and it would be the same or less if the North Branch were closed. Meanwhile, there would be associated and offsetting economic losses to the City.
All theories of economic development involve stimulating resident, visitor, shopper and pedestrian traffic in commercial districts. A visionary approach to the library system, to a more sustainable Evanston of 76,000 residents, and to neighborhood equity would establish and maintain three neighborhood branch libraries (roughly NW, SW, and SE to complement the northeasternly-located Main Branch). The cost is a pittance compared to the benefit.
As to the other expenditures Jen cites, I won't comment here except to note that this community obviously has resources notwithstanding the constant poor-mouthing. Most do not dispute the basic concept of priming the pump a little on economic development. However, efficacy, and reflection of community values, need to figure more into that mix. The basic logic of maintaining and even expanding a full-service, all-neighborhood library system seems to have gotten temporarily lost in conversations about control, and posturing over power.
John, I think we agree- the immediate question is not whether there should be an outpost, it is whether it should be in Domincks. There is a line being crossed here between public/private domains and there was little discussion. Domicks has a need but putting a police outpost is not the only soultion. The other issue which arises is how is the public engaged and like you mentioned public hearing.
One of the problems that mall has had with getting other anchors and uses is that Domicks has lots of control over the parking lot, thereby limiting what tenants would be able to come. What we need is a way to have more opportunties for postive police public interaction.
While I appreciate the concerns raised by Ms. Fonda, I can also sympathize with Dominick's management. The shopping mall at Dodge and Dempster has struggled to succeed. Dominick's is the anchor of the mall. The mall needs to project an image of being a safe place to shop and do business. If an outpost will help do so, then it is justified.
Perhaps, however, the outpost does not need to be located within the store. There is much vacant space that the outpost could occupy. An outpost elsewhere in the mall would serve to protect all the surrounding businesses and residents. My hope is that the need for an outpost would not be forever warranted and that, in time, it could be re-located to other areas that may be in need or closed to save money.
That said, public hearings should be held. Augmenting private security is not what most people would consider "economic development". I am always in favor of exploring new ideas, but recently, many City ideas, e.g. closing Chandler or tailgate parking on the golf course, have surfaced in a way that causes alarm among residents. A better way to engage the public from the very beginning needs to be found.
John LoSasso, President of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Association, and a group of concerned neighbors will meet at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 9 on the patio of the American Legion Hall (between Central and Lincoln) to provide an update on recent management and planning activities related to the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course and to begin to develop a plan for the future continuation of this unique community golf course. All residents of Evanston and Wilmette are invited to attend this meeting and to provide their valued input.
In addition to everything else going on in the city, and in the golf association, relative to the status of the golf course and the association's ability to meet its obligations, those of us who live on Bryant north of Central received a letter outlining a plan to permit parking on the 10th fairway during home football games this fall. Two of the games are posted as night games on the NW schedule. This plan was done without any input from the community or the residents. The letter - from Ald. Grover - made it sound like a done deal, with the City Council and a committee set to approve this plan on July 11.
Evanston Terraces, which immediately borders the course, would be adversely affected by parking. Homes north and west of us, already facing traffic (auto and people) congestion during games, will face an additional burden. Potetntial for revelry and partying is a concern. Past history of parking on the 10th gives us pause. Our association has written to the city to express its concern that the decision was made without adequate community review and providing a succinct list of reasons why this is a bad idea and not good for us, our community or the golf course. We believe it is a short sighted and short term solution. The golf association needs a long term financial plan, one that enhances it as a golf course and green space, not as a parking lot.
First, we should have our city manager explain to us what he means by "least connected mission with the community." Certainly how many people use a city facility is an important consideration. Yet, perhaps the most compelling reason to keep Chandler-Newberger open is that it provides a broad publc good. The Center has a variety of programs for both adults and children. One of the most important measures of a good community or city is whether or not it provides a broad range of activities for its residents. Many people move to Evanston or want to live in Evanston because it isn't just a place to live but a community filled with activities and services, not just restaurants and condos. If we destroy this aspect of our community, to resolve a short-term budget crisis, then we are undermining the character and intrinsic value of our community. From an economic standpoint, selling public property in a depressede maket is folly and only good for those who are able to buy it at bargain prices. And, once public assets are sold, will we ever get them back?
We learned on Friday, June 17, 2011 that the developer of the property that formerly housed the CTA building at Chancellor and Bryant is now selling the propety. There were plans for attached (two units) townhomes at this site - they were approved by the city and reviewed by Evanston Terraces Condo Association and complied with zoning. We were surprised to learn of the decision to sell - this means that financing is still hard to get for new development. The developer did invest in an architect and demolition of the old building, and got the property for a "deal." It is now for sale for $495K. We should monitor this site to assure that it will remain residential and maintained.
After the presentation and the forum, several CSNA members put together a nice report. The report is posted here (at http://centralstreetneighbors.com/content/report-forum-eastwood-1700-172....)
Football fields are 360 feet long. Don't forget the endzones.
Your point about planning documents and municipalities is right on. Old planning guidance documents line the shelves of planning departments everywhere. They usually sit dormant after the final draft, each volume representing hundreds of thousands of wasted dollars.
IMO, the best part of this development was the prospect of a Mexican restaraunt opening somewhere on Central St. Anything but another over-priced, mediocre Thai/Sushi place.
Text of the ordinance was in the 6/2 City packet. See new post above.
The start time for the City's Human Services Committee meeting scheduled for Monday June 3 has been changed to 7:30 pm, for those who are planning to attend.
...as opposed to a "spotted fox." Seriously, yesterday, as Nancy and I turned onto Harrison from Ewing, I had to brake as what we initially thought was a dog, but quickly realized was a large northern red fox, crossed the street in front of us. I got out and tried to snap a pic with my phone but between trying to get to the camera app, follow the fox, and shoot, was unsuccessful. He (or she) trotted into one yard's hedges, came back out, continued to walk/trot along the bushes and plants of several houses, obviously aware of me but not running away, more intent on the hunt or exploration than on some would-be photographer. I maintained visual for about a minute until he disappeared either down the alley or onto Lincoln, around a garage.
From the size -- I'd estimate 20 lb. or more, maybe 3' nose to tail tip -- I believe it was a male. I've never seen one so big (nor so close except in captivity). He had a healthy-looking brownish-orange coat, with a whiter underbelly and darker legs, and of course the lovely pointed ears. It was a breathtaking encounter with a strikingly poised and graceful creature.
...was not the one making the unsustainable policy decisions or reaping (most) of the profits from unsustainable acts. No environmentalist denies that many past societal practices had to change. US energy and fuel consumption increased until about the year I graduated from high school; it was Baby Boomers that changed those habits. Yet food, soda pop, bottled water, and housing materials use has only climbed, as has electricity consumption.
By any measure those alive on the earth right now consume more resources than previous generations, both in the USA and outside it, so it's really wrong to make a sweeping generational argument. Even within generations there are stark differences, and contradictions; "back then" many fought injustice as well. The point of the article was that there were practices and ideas in the past, too, that in fact were more sustainable, and did represent a simpler way of life. The wise thing is to find the best practices from every era.
I've been a huge fan of Mr Dulin's ever since Venice Cafe, and I was a regular at Tuscan Market. I'll definitely be making the trip to Evanston for the new place!
The people that didn't have the "Green Thing back then" are also the ones that have left us a legacy of industrial pollution in our lakes, rivers, and streams. They decimated natural areas in the name of progress under the guise of development or extracting natural resources in the most unsustainable ways imaginable.
These people also propogated segregation and sexism. Sure they used drinking fountains, they just had better make sure they used the one that was specific to their skin color.
The reference to Secret Wilmette Tomato Basil Soup has me stumped -- too in-foodie a reference for this paisan -- but I will vouch for the gelato. Last week, before Easter, L&V had seductive heaps of a purple flavor I'd never seen: "Peeps." Brilliant.
Linz & Vail also generously offers up their front space for live music during most Retail Therapy events. Their barristas are among the most cool-debonair on the Shore. The bulletin board usually has some choice tidbits. And of course there's a 50% chance that any given morning you'll see, in the corner, some power breakfast ongoing. Not sayin' who. Just sayin'.
Did we mention the coffee grounds for your garden? (ask nicely). See, someone is keepin an eye out.
Thanks for checking in, Linz & Vail! You guys rock!
Hello Neighbors, Thank you for reminding us of the wonderful food options on Central Street. If we may, we'd like to share with our fellow neighbors what Linz and Vail has to offer. Besides being a favorite coffeehouse for many, and besides having the best gelato in town, we have a limited but delish food menu: Fresh Bagels from NY Bagel & Bialy in Skokie - Locallly Baked Artisan Pastries - Tomato Basil Bisque Soup that has been said to be as good as one gourmet restaurant in downtown Wilmette, Chicken Salad on Mulit-grain, and more. We don't do a lot - but what we do we do well. Surprised? Come see what you're missing.
Borders apparently changed its mind. Dumb decision. The Wilmette store -- already often faster to get to for much of North Evanston -- would have picked up a lot of the traffic lost from the downtown Evanston store.
Like many parents with children in the Evanston school systems, I have met many excellent teachers. However, I was also privy to many conversations with other parents about teachers to avoid and indeed, met teachers I felt should've retired or sought another career.
The subject of teacher tenure has been raised by J.B. Rees and nationally has been a Republican issue. I support labor in general, but I feel somewhat conflicted about tenure's local impact upon my children.
What are other Evanstonians opinions about this issue?
Background information about the recent Freshman Humanities Restructuring at ETHS is available here: http://evanstoneducationadvocates.wikispaces.com/
Also, many of the candidates have websites:
Katie Bailey
Eileen Budde
Keith Terry
Richard Rykhus
Jonathan Baum
Cherie Hansen
State Senator Jeff Schoenberg was one of the unnamed legislators referred to in the main story above. This state senate district, of course, already pays some of the highest property taxes in Cook County, largely to support schools such as Evanston's and New Trier. Taking away, for many, the property tax credit at the same time that they were hit with an income tax increase would have increased the pain for some (including our elected officials, who have been getting an earful). Schoenberg by his own account pushed back hard and was successful in getting the tax credit change rolled back before final passage.
Speaking of ears, I had bent Robyn Gabel's for a few seconds on this topic when I ran into her at the state officer inauguration in Springfield the weekend before the bill passed, but am not sure what role if any she played on this.
It's a tough task to reconcile philosophy with fiscal reality. In theory, replacing the 5% credit for property taxes with a flat $325 for every property-owning taxpayer would be considered "progressive" since the greatest benefit is to those who own less expensive properties (those with tax bills less than $6,500), and the benefit of the flat credit is propertionally less, the greater one's land holdings. However, the juxtaposition with the income tax increase made such a move too politically charged.
In the primary election for state representative a year go, a number of us supported tax reform along the basic lines of HB 174. I felt, however, that any income tax increase needed to be accompanied by reform of the mechanism for school funding, which is overly dependent on property taxes, and that Illinois needs a progressive tax structure. That's the "other shoe." As necessary to address Illinois's fiscal crisis as an income tax increase might have been, a lot of folks expected that some reform would also be included to make the medicine go down a little easier. The fact that that didn't happen, and that we still have a basically regressive revenue mechanism in Illinois, is one of the reasons many taxpayers are howling.
Just an increase isn't enough. Common sense budgeting and the even more important task of tax fairness are just some of the work that remains undone in Springfield.