Monday, March 21, 2022 | View in browser
Dear Fifth Ward Family,
I’m happy to announce that District 65 recently approved a school assignment plan that includes building a new school in the 5th Ward. Since Foster school closed in the late 60s, there has been a steady community voice advocating for a school to be reopened. As a member of Citizens for a Better Evanston, I joined that chorus over a decade ago.
More recently, I was a part of D65’s Student Assignment Planning Committee which assisted in developing the comprehensive student assignment plan. As a member of the “Walkable Schools and Boundaries” subcommittee, I worked alongside D65 staff, parents/caregivers, and consultant experts to address historic inequities by proposing new school boundaries, including the creation of a 5th Ward school, that safely creates walkable and rideable schools for students.
I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together! The announced plan is only sweetened, having been led by Sarita Smith, who grew up in the 5th Ward and is now the Manager of Student Assignments for Evanston/Skokie School District.
 Photo credit: Evanston Live TV
Lifelong 5th Ward resident Jerome Summers, a former D65 Board member, summed up the importance of this moment best:
“When you go to school in the community you live in you're the jewel of the community. You're the brightness and hope for the future for everyone you ever see. You're one of us. You never feel unwelcome or like an outsider.”
Let’s discuss this victory and continue to dream big and plan accordingly. Join us for the next 5th Ward Meeting on Thurs., Mar. 31, at 7 p.m. via Google Meet. I welcome your input on several items impacting the 5th Ward in the coming weeks and months (see the list below). I look forward to hearing from you and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or issues that you would like to bring to my attention before the meeting. I can be reached at bburns@cityofevanston.org.
Join via Google Meet
Join via Phone: 516-667-0566
PIN: 598 631 691#
A few of the topics for discussion:
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Introducing The Oakton Emory Williams Academy for Black Men, a cohort-style educational academy of Oakton College recruits. Guest speakers: Dr. Ruben Howard, Director of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships and Mario Botha, Endowed Chair for the Oakton Academy for Black Men.
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A presentation on Participatory Budgeting, a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. Guest speaker: Councilmember Devon Reid, 8th Ward.
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An update on design concepts for the new permanent skatepark in Twiggs Park. Guest Speakers: Lara Biggs, Capital Planning & Engineering Bureau Chief and Stefanie Levine, Senior Project Manager City of Evanston
Planning & Development Housing Sub-Committee
The Planning & Development Housing Sub-Committee will be meeting tonight, Mon., March 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 2402 of the Morton Civic Center.
The Planning & Development Housing Sub-Committee is made up of 4 City Council Members to review and provide guidance to the City Council on specific interrelated housing policies that have been referred for additional discussion and consideration:
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Family definition in City Codes and occupancy requirements for residential units
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Nuisance Premise Ordinance
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Landlord Tenant Ordinance
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Rental Licensing
 "24 Hours" Charity Basketball Game
On Sat., July 2, Evanston resident Jamal Graham will be hosting the “24 Hours” Charity Basketball Game at ETHS in honor of beloved Evanston resident and basketball player, Ryan Bost.
A few words from Jamal: Ryan lost his life to gun violence on November 9, 2020, at the young age of 20. Ryan was one-of-a-kind and an amazing basketball player, who had such a bright future ahead of him. He meant so much to our Evanston community; it is only fitting that we celebrate his life with the thing he loved most: basketball.
This event will bring the community together to not only celebrate Ryan’s life, but support local organizations that help youth. Donate here.
Tree giveaway
Natural Habitat Evanston has funding to give away native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in the Fifth Ward for homes, places of worship and nonprofits. They also provide volunteers to plant and share tree care info. Indicate your interest by filling out this form.
 5th Ward Recycling Cart-Tagging Pilot Program
This spring, a pilot program will be conducted by the City in partnership with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County. The 5th Ward has been selected to participate in a recycling cart-tagging program. A cart-tagging program works directly with residents to educate them about the “Dos” and “Don’ts” for using their curbside carts.
Throughout May, a group of volunteers will be doing visual inspections of recycling carts before their collection day pickup, for four weeks. Their job is solely to view the items in the cart and leave feedback. If unacceptable items are seen in the cart, a “Oops Tag” will be left to identify materials that are not accepted and shouldn't be put in the cart. If no contaminants are found, a “Thank You for Recycling Right Tag” will be left.
By the end of the pilot study the City will have a clearer picture on what type of items are causing higher levels of confusion and help develop resources and tools to better engage residents.
Bobby Burns
Councilmember, 5th Ward
bburns@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org
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