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Join me on Thursday for insights and input on City and neighborhood issues from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Please note that the parking lot across from the Ecology Center is open via McCormick Boulevard or from the westbound lane of Bridge Street, due to the Bridge Street Bridge construction.
Speaking of which, the meeting agenda includes an update on public works projects, including the Bridge Street Bridge, as well as the status of Evanston Township, the proposed FY 2014 City budget, the application of property standards to vacant and derelict homes in our neighborhoods, introduction of Officer Scott Sengenberger from EPD's Problem-Solving Team, and the Harley-Clarke Mansion.
Information about the Harley-Clarke Mansion at the ward meeting will follow and repeat what is presented tonight at the 7:00 pm Human Services Committee meeting. The meeting materials for the Human Services Committee meeting can be found here.
 The City of Evanston is updating on-street parking meter equipment to better serve parkers, businesses and the environment. Because different streets, business districts, and parking lots have different landscapes and demands, a one-size-fits-all parking system won't work. New flexible parking equipment offers options for solar/battery powered single space parking meters, pay-and-display stations, pay-by-space stations, and pay stations that accept both coin and credit cards, and in the future, payment with the use of a cell phone.
The City has experimented with different parking equipment over the last several years and seeks input on those options. Fifty single-space meters and two upgraded pay-and-display stations have been placed in various locations for your testing and perusal. The survey is available in the field at those locations via text message to the telephone number posted (standard text message rates may apply). You may also take the survey by phone via 3-1-1 or online at www.cityofevanston.org/parkingsurvey. Please participate in the survey before it closes on November 5. Your input will be incorporated into the mix of parking meter technology installed throughout the city, scheduled to occur by the end of March 2014.
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 NU Football Home Games, November 16, 23
Michigan's two largest public universities come to Evanston to play the last football games of the 2013 Northwestern University home season. Kickoff times are subject to television scheduling and generally undetermined until the earliest of 12 days before the game. Refer to nusports.com for the latest on kickoff times.
November 16: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WOLVERINES, 2:30 p.m. kick-off, Big Ten network coverage
November 23: Michigan State University Spartans, TBD
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 Evanston's two Dominick's grocery stores are scheduled to close at the end of next month, on December 28, following the decision by parent company Safeway to exit the Chicago market and close its 72 local stores. The deadline for offers to purchase Safeway's stores was this past weekend and it may be a few weeks before Safeway announces the disposition of those assets and its successors determine the prospects for the Evanston stores and their employees. Both Evanston stores, on Green Bay Road and at Evanston Plaza, have done better than the average for the Dominick's chain. City of Evanston staff are following developments closely to explore opportunities for Dominick's retail space at Evanston Plaza and to stay in contact with prospective purchasers for both stores.
As to the Dominick's at 2748 Green Bay Road, it is one of the best performing stores in the Chicago area and has been actively pursued by several grocery interests. The Green Bay Dominick's produce department generates the most revenue per square foot among the Chicago stores and its pharmacy does very well as one of the top three pharmacies in the chain. And we know that it is the store's people -- its wonderful employees and loyal customers -- who have made this store a success and an attractive acquisition. We will share news about both stores when it becomes available.
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 The Rhythm and Blues Revue Cyclocross bike race comes to Evanston on Saturday, November 9, at the Evanston and Wilmette Golf Course (EWGC, previously known as Canal Shores and Peter Jans Golf Course), sponsored by Higher Gear, a Chicago area bike store. The bike race course will circle the perimeter of the 14th through 17th golf course holes between Lincoln and Noyes Streets, the longest stretch of the golf course that doesn't require a street crossing.
More than a hundred cyclocross bike riders across eight skill levels are expected to compete in this event, the first in Evanston. The first race starts at 10:00 am and the final race will begin at 3:00 pm; there are two free afternoon races for junior-level competitors. Go here for more information. Proceeds from the event will go to help support the EWGC, a registered 501(C)(3) non-profit organization and the host site for the race.
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Congratulations and thanks to you for Central Street's designation as a Top Ten Great Neighborhood in the U.S. by the American Planning Association. Thank you to everyone who planned and attended our press conference to announce the award early last month. This is A BIG DEAL. The American Planning Association's website does the bragging for us. Look for a decal in the windows of Central Street businesses in the next few weeks to remind residents, shoppers and visitors of this distinction. |
Addressing, dispelling and confirming Evanston myths will be on the agenda for a 7th Ward meeting in 2014. Is bowling permitted within City limits? What was the Trader Joe's deal? Does the crooked branch marking the Native American trail through this area still exist? Why did The Keg close? Did the City of Evanston sell land to Northwestern University for its welcome center/parking garage? Is spitting on the floor of a theater a public nuisance for which one can be fined? Do we generate more recycling than landfill?
Let me know what myths you've heard or wondered about and we'll bring in the experts to discuss. Stay tuned for Evanston myth-busting.
 Long-time 7th Ward aldermanic intern, Wilson Shirley (Northwestern University, Class of 2015), returns later this year from Amman, Jordan. Wilson has moved his studies for this fall quarter to the Jordanian Institute of Diplomacy through the Council on International Educational Exchange's Diplomacy and Policy Studies Program.
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