Tuesday, November 21, 2023   |   View in browser

Fourth Ward News

Greetings 4th Ward neighbors and friends,

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me over the past few months to weigh in on the Northwestern stadium, concert, and community benefits issues whether you were supportive, opposed or somewhere in between. I’ve responded directly to all 4th ward residents who reached out, or at least attempted to—apologies if I missed an email in the in flurry.

From the beginning of this process, I’ve been supportive of a new stadium and a limited number of concerts as long as Northwestern stepped up to contribute financially to Evanston at a level closer to par with many if their peer institutions around the country. I’m pleased with the results: up to six well-regulated concerts per year which will bring increased economic and cultural vitality to Evanston and a community benefits package worth up to $175 million over a decade and a half. 

The input I received from 4th Ward and other Evanston residents—including suggestions on the MOU language, introductions to professionals in the concert promotion business, concerns about sound levels, concert end times, traffic, parking, and more—was an important part of my consideration of these issues and is reflected in the outcome.

This has been a contentious issue for our community; I know I’m not the only member of City Council with friends I love and colleagues I respect on both sides. Thank you all for your respectful and civil conversation. I’ve taken this decision seriously and have done what I believe is in the best interest of all of Evanston.

It’s my hope that we’re entering a new era of mutual respect and collaboration between Evanston and Northwestern. I look forward to doing so much more!

Please see below for more information on these topics:

• Margarita Inn Good Neighbor Advisory Council
• Free parking during the holidays!
• Evanston Made Holiday Market
• Toy Drive
• Pet Registration
• Snow shovel volunteers
• Canoe launch

Upcoming Ward Business

Ward meeting
Tuesday, December 5, 7 p.m.
Robert Crown Community Center, Rooms B&C

Office Hours
Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Evanston Made Holiday Market, 1631 Chicago Ave.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jonathan

Margarita Inn Good Neighbor Advisory Council: Meeting Notice

The first meeting of the Margarita Inn Good Neighbor Advisory Council will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Margarita Inn (1566 Oak Ave.). All are welcome!

About the GNAC: The GNAC is a volunteer council that includes representatives of neighborhood homeowners, renters, landlords, and businesses, as well as Margarita Inn residents and Margarita/Connections staff. As Ward 4 Councilmember, I’ll serve as chair at least initially.

The GNAC will meet quarterly to discuss community concerns and questions related to the Margarita Inn and hear updates from Connections. The GNAC is also charged with conducting an annual review of the Good Neighbor Agreement.

Holiday Parking is Free!

The City of Evanston is making local holiday shopping easier this year by offering a “Holiday Parking: Free for 2023” promotion. Community members and visitors to Evanston’s business districts will enjoy up to two hours of free parking daily from November 22, 2023, through January 1, 2024.  

This offer is valid for Park Evanston app users once per day per account/license plate. Users can simply enter the code "Holiday2023" to access two hours of free street parking, making it convenient for them to explore and support Evanston businesses during the holiday season.

“We’ve improved upon our annual free holiday parking campaign, ensuring wide accessibility for community members and visitors, encouraging them to experience the holiday charm of Evanston while contributing to our local economy," said City Manager Luke Stowe.

Evanston Made is Popping Up in Downtown Evanston

Evanston Made is hosting its 3rd annual holiday pop-up market at the former Found restaurant located at 1631 Chicago Avenue in Downtown Evanston. From December 1-17, Evanston Made will create a vibrant, art-filled experience for arts enthusiasts and patrons during the holiday season.

The market will feature art exhibits and pop-up sales of handmade goods by Evanston Made members in addition to “Meet the Makers” events, mixers, art demos, workshops and more. More info: Home of Arts Organization Evanston Made.

And, see you there for 4th Ward Office Hours on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon!

Mayor's Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive

To ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season, Mayor Biss encourages all community members to participate in the annual Mayor's Holiday Food, Book, and Toy Drive.

Through Friday, Dec. 8, the City is collecting new, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals, including stuffing, green beans, yams, mac and cheese, corn, and cornbread mix. The City is also collecting new and gently used children's books.

Items can be dropped off at locations throughout the city, including:

• Autobarn, 1015 Chicago Ave.
• Booked, 506 Main St.
• Briteco, 805 Greenwood St.
• Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.
• Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.
• Evanston Community Bank, 1740 Sherman Ave.
• Evanston Made Holiday Market, 832 Dempster St.
• Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
• Fire Station 3, 1105 Central St.
• Fire Station 5, 2830 Central St.
• First Northern Credit Union, 1705 Sherman Ave. 
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St.
• Jewel-Osco, 1128 Chicago Ave.
• Jewel-Osco, 2485 W. Howard St.
• Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
• Police Station, 1454 Elmwood Ave.
• Robert Crown Center, 1801 Main St.
• Target, 2209 W. Howard St.
• The Merion, 1611 Chicago Ave.
• Valli Produce, 1910 Dempster St.

Families who wish to participate in the Holiday Food, Book & Toy Drive as recipients of toys and food items must register by calling 847-448-4311 or simply dialing 3-1-1 while in Evanston. Registration must take place between Monday, November 20 and Friday, December 8. 

Residents interested in making a financial contribution towards a bulk purchase of food and toys by the Evanston Parks Foundation can make a donation online.

Volunteers Needed for Snow Shoveling Assistance Program

The City is again offering its Snow Shoveling Program this winter to connect older adult residents and persons with disabilities with volunteers who are offering snow shoveling services. Volunteers are needed for the entire 2023-24 winter snow season.

How it Works

Evanston residents who request assistance for snow shoveling services will be provided with a list of available volunteers in their area. Residents will be responsible for contacting volunteers from the provided list and for scheduling their services. Volunteers are responsible for completing the work or notifying the resident if they are unable to complete the work. This program is a free service and there should be no exchange of money and/or goods.

To Volunteer

Sign up to volunteer: Snow Shoveling Volunteer Intake Form, or call/text 847-448-4311. Your contact information will be provided to residents who are requesting assistance.

To Register for Assistance

Older adults or persons with disabilities can register for the program by calling/texting 847-448-4311 or completing the Request for Snow Shoveling Assistance Form.

2024 Pet Registration Forms Due by December 31

The City of Evanston reminds dog and cat owners to submit their 2024 Pet Registrations by December 31, 2023.

Pet registration forms were mailed out on November 13, 2023. Residents can conveniently renew their pet license online at cityofevanston.org/pet, mail in their renewal form using the provided envelope, or turn in their form at the City Collector's Office, located at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To receive a pet license, the application form must have a current Rabies Tag Number.

For those who do not have current rabies vaccination certificates on file with the City or those pet owners who did not receive a form in the mail, application forms are available online. First-time applicants can simultaneously apply and pay for their 2024 pet license online. Residents must be able to upload a scanned copy or an image of their pet's current rabies vaccination certificate to complete the online application.

By City Ordinance, all dogs and cats four months of age or older are required to have pet licenses. The annual cost is $10 if the pet is neutered or spayed, and $15 if not altered.

The biggest benefit of registering a pet with the City is the increased chance of pet owners being reunited with their dog or cat, should it become lost. Applying for the license also serves as a reminder to renew a pet's annual rabies vaccination, which could save its life. Additionally, pet owners must provide proof of a pet license from the city where they reside in order to purchase a dog beach pass. 

Ladd Arboretum Canoe Launch Public Meeting

The Ecology Center will be hosting the first public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 to gather input regarding the design of the new ADA accessible canoe launch proposed along the North Shore Channel. The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please join City staff, members of the Evanston Environmental Association, and the project consulting team to us to review the concept design and share your feedback.

Jonathan Nieuwsma    
Councilmember, 4th Ward
jnieuwsma@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org