CSNA at the APA Press Conference

Since 2007 CSNA members have been working to make the Central Street Neighborhood a better place to live.  In the process they have participated in a number of efforts and causes ... giving their spare ... and often not-really-spare ...  time ... analyzing issues, preparing position statements, speaking at City meetings, organizing voter education events, publishing newsletters and web sites.  They mainly work behind the scenes.  At the APA award press conference Friday, October 4, 2013 there was a brief opportunity for CSNA to celebrate ... and to also reaffirm that they still have a lot of work to do.  As former Evanston City Planner and neighbor Dennis Marino stated ... 20 more years.

Before the event it started to rain.  But that didn't bother Deb Weixl.  It was an exciting day!

Click 'Read more" below to see all the photos:

Dia Walsh and Dick Wright reminisce.  Dick was very active in 2007 when he helped craft the Central Street Overlay District zoning changes.

Jeff Smith first President of CSNA shows off his dog-eared copy of the 2007 Central Street Corridor Plan.  Jeff guided CSNA through the planning process.  Former 7th Ward Alderman Steve Engelman and current Alderman Jane Grover look interested.

The many banners behind the podium reflect the many organizations along Central Sreet that work to make this a Great Neighborhood.

Dennis Marino former City Manager of Planning and Zoning talks with Bob Horner.  Dennis was there when the city brought in a consultant to begin the public planning process for Central Street.  That was a key development in getting neighbors involved and in getting a final plan.  Bob is the developer of the just completed Central Station Apartments at 1720 Central.

Mayor Liz Tisdahl addresses those assembled.  To her immediate right are Mark Muenzer, City Director of Development and Denis Marino former City Manager of Planning and Zoning.  All three spoke at the event.  Other officials present included Library Director Karen Danczak Lyons, Aldermen Mark Tendam, Jane Grover and Ann Rainey, State Rep. Robyn Gabel and State Sen. Daniel Biss.

CSNA members represented our neighborhood at the event.  Left to right: John Walsh, Mary Rosinski, Mike Hartnett, Carolyn Wangelin, Carol Bild, Jeff Smith, David Staub, Dick Wright, Mary Lou Smith, Joe Hill, Jim Hughes, Margi Hughes, Dia Walsh, Mary Therese Staub, Deb Weixl, Carl Bova and Marge Anderson.

CSNA current and former Board members from left: Margi Hughes, Deb Weixl, Mary Therese Staub, Mary Rosinski, Marge Anderson.

Cool bike.  But not just any cool bike.  Check the logo below.

The colorful bike above belongs to Lori Keenan.   Lori was there representing Evanston Public Library Friends (EPLF). The EPLF logo immediately above was not a coincidence. Lori and several other CSNA members worked tirelessly from 2010 to 2012 to save our branch libraries.  Some of them could not be there.  CSNA members supporting EPLF included Trish Stieglitz a founding member of CSNA and the current Co-President of EPLF.  Trish and Cheryl Chamberlain  - also a CSNA member - helped build the TWIG library branch in South Evanston and  rehab the Eddie Lee Sutton Reading Room at Family Focus in West Evanston. Other CSNA members working with EPLF to save and expand the branches included: Jeff Smith, Mary Lou Smith, Mary Rosinski, Jim Hughes and former EPLF President Ellen Newcomer.