Monday, March 6, 2023 | View in browser
4th Ward News
 This is Maple, our four-legged family member, who’s wagging her tail in delight about several recent developments for Evanston pets: the dog beach is reopening, we’ve also got a new animal shelter on the way, and we’re also contemplating a new dog park in the neighborhood!
Please join me at the ward meeting next week to hear more about that last item. Also on the agenda is the proposed Northwestern stadium. NU’s Dave Davis will join us to present their latest plans and I’m interested in hearing what Ward 4 residents have to say.
See below for more on all these topics:
With warm regards,
Jonathan
PS: Don’t forget that as of March 1, we’re back to our regular street cleaning our regular street cleaning schedule.
Ward meetings and office hours
Here’s the plan for the next few months…
Ward Meetings
All Ward meetings will take place at 7 p.m. at the Robert Crown Center
- Tuesday, March 7: Northwestern stadium, Main Street Construction, Josina Morita, new dog park?
- Wednesday, April 19 (not the usual day): Climate Action and Sustainability focus
- Tuesday, May 2: Evanston business and economic development focus
Office Hours
Office Hours will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays. Drop by for a chat, no appointment necessary.
- Saturday, March 11: Berry Pike Café, 1100 Davis St.
- Saturday, April 15: Dollop, 1508 Sherman Ave.
- Saturday, May 13: Reprise Roasters, 710 Main St.
 Animal Shelter Plans—how you can help!
On February 27, City Council voted to approve the construction budget for a new Evanston animal shelter, to be built on the site of the current antiquated structure on Oakton Avenue. In all honesty it’s a pretty big budget, due in large part to our commitment to our climate action goals (it’s going to be super energy efficient and all electric) as well as inflation and supply chain issues.
Fortunately, Cook County is assisting with a $2 million grant and the Evanston Animal Shelter Association has committed to raising at least $1.2 million (they’re already at $300,000).
Here’s where you can help: donate here and your contribution will be matched by an anonymous and very generous donor who has pledged $100,000 to EASA’s capital campaign.
1621 Chicago Avenue—The Legacy
Horizon Realty Group, the real estate developer that purchased the property at 1621-1631 Chicago Ave. several years ago, is now proposing a 15-story, 140 unit development. Representatives of the developer met with First Ward and Fourth Ward residents on February 15; a recording of that meeting is available here. The Land Use Commission will consider the application at their meeting this Wed., March 8, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Morton Civic Center.
 Dog Beach Reopens
The Evanston Dog Beach officially opened for the 2023 season on Wednesday, March 1! Located just south of Clark Street Beach (1811 Sheridan Rd.), the dog beach is open seasonally from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. All patrons must have a valid dog beach pass to enter.
Fetch your dog beach pass: passes are required and are available now at select community centers:
- Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
- Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
- Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.
- Chandler-Newberger Community Center, 1028 Central St.
- Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
Dog Beach passes are $75 for Evanston residents and $200 for non-residents, per dog. Individuals will need to bring a completed vaccination verification form for their pet. More information.
 A new dog park in the neighborhood?
In other dog news, I’m kicking the tires on the idea of making a portion of Grey Park into a dog area: Grey(hound) Park!? This would be a good way to activate unused portions of Grey Park and bring some positive energy to the Ridge and Main intersection. If there’s enough neighborhood support, we’ll convene a more formal process.
Let me know what you think at a ward meeting, office hours, or via email.
 Larimer Park Renovations
Thanks to all who attended the first Larimer Park meeting on January 18 and shared your input on how we can reimagine and revitalize this community asset. Another community meeting on the topic is scheduled for April 18. The City’s design team will update us on their plans and take addition input at another community meeting scheduled for April 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nichols Middle School.
 Margarita Inn Update
If you haven’t already, please see this op-ed piece in the Evanston Roundtable last month which outlines my reasons for supporting the Margarita Inn’s continued use as a non-congregate transitional shelter and describes our plan to ensure the facility provides the highest level of services.
To update you on the current status….
Special Use Application
The Land Use Commission recommended approval of Margarita’s Special Use Permit last November and the application was originally scheduled to go to City Council in February. However, a judge has ordered the Land Use Commission to re-open testimony to hear objections from a neighboring property owner; that meeting is scheduled for April 26. The Council will likely consider the application in May.
License and Operating Agreement
An ordinance creating a generic license structure for all types of shared housing was approved by the City Council on February 27. This new license structure requires the Council to approve a site-specific operating agreements for each applicant, which is where the regulatory requirements will be codified. We’re in the process of working out those details for the Margarita Inn. The City Council resolution approving Margarita’s operating agreement will travel with the Special Use Application which is expected to come to Council in May.
Good Neighbor Agreement
After several months of work by neighborhood stakeholders, Mayor Biss and Connections for the Homeless signed a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) on February 8. The GNA establishes mutual expectations and set up lines of communication, which will include quarterly meeting with a neighborhood advisory council.
Jonathan Nieuwsma
Councilmember, 4th Ward
jnieuwsma@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org
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