Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | View in browser
Greetings,
Our cherished 4th of July holiday is tomorrow. I want to extend my best wishes to everyone for a safe and joyous 4th of July with your friends and family!
Also, I want to remind our community members about submitting contributions for the 5th Ward's e-newsletter.
Feel free to please share:
- Achievements
- Art contributions
- Upcoming events
- New programs and services
- Grant announcements
- Impactful news
- Successful neighborhood initiatives
Please ensure your content is submitted by the second Tuesday of each month to be included in the newsletter. If you become aware of families or individuals who may have relevant content, please share this email with them.
Additionally, I want to remind everyone that we have a virtual ward meeting tonight at 7 PM on Wednesday, July 3.
Si desea recibir este boletín en español, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico a bburns@cityofevanston.org.
City Council Approves Purchase of Land for Affordable Condo Development
 I'm excited to announce that the City Council has unanimously approved my proposal to buy land at 1831-1835 Brown Avenue for developing affordable condo units. This is a significant step in our broader housing strategy to provide more affordable homeownership options in Evanston.
The city will purchase the 12,000-square-foot property from Tabernacle Baptist Church for up to $400,000. After acquiring the land, the city plans to collaborate with Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) to develop the site. CPAH's initial plan includes constructing six three-bedroom condo units, each priced at approximately $200,000 for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. These units will be part of a community land trust to ensure long-term affordability.
This project is a result of the "Here to Stay" committee, which I established in December of 2022. The committee, made up of housing advocates, developers, real estate agents, and others, has been exploring ways to help long-term residents afford to stay in Evanston. By partnering with local faith communities, we aim to utilize their resources and networks to support affordable housing development.
I am especially proud that this initiative will be the first to utilize funds from Northwestern University’s $1 million annual contribution to the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. I personally negotiated this funding as a key condition for my support of the Ryan Field rebuild and concert proposals. This ensures that these projects directly contribute to addressing our affordable housing crisis.
I look forward to many more projects like this across the city, utilizing these funds to provide more affordable housing options for our residents.
For more details, visit the Evanston RoundTable article.
Update from District 65: Fifth Ward School Groundbreaking Ceremony
 The time has come to break ground on the site of our new school and we couldn't be more excited! Please join us on July 15 for:
- a groundbreaking ceremony, with remarks from community leaders
- complimentary ice cream from a local favorite
- a celebration of the school's name
All are welcome — invite your neighbors to join! Our special guests will be the summer campers from Family Focus and Fleetwood-Jourdain.
MONDAY
JULY 15, 2024
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Ceremony will start at 4:30 p.m.
Foster Field (Simpson & Ashland)
1655 Foster Street, Evanston
Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is thrilled to return a neighborhood school to the Fifth Ward community. Our new school, with the capacity to serve 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
Also, attend the School Construction Update Meeting on July 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Fleetwood-Jourdain to learn about the demolition, site prep, and initial construction plans and schedules.
COFI (Community Organizing and Family Issues) Update
Parent leaders with COFI and P.E.A.C.E. (Parents of Evanston Advocating for Change and Equity) completed 228 surveys in Evanston and held a town hall on Friday, June 14! Their survey findings highlighted the community’s concerns about dark and dirty streets, violence, and unaffordable housing. We are grateful for the collaborative spirit of everyone who joined the Evanston parents to hear the results and discuss solutions, especially 5th Ward Councilmember Bobby Burns, Evanston City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, District 65 Board President Sergio Hernandez, Jr., the Evanston Police Department, and Rebecca Mendoza of Evanston Latinos. Together, we can make a difference.
Are you interested in joining a dedicated group of parents who are fighting for change and equity in Evanston? Email tmoore@cofionline.org for more information and to stayupdated about our next meeting.
[Spanish]
Actualización de COFI (Organización comunitaria y cuestiones familiares):
Padres líderes con COFI y P.E.A.C.E. (Padres de Evanston Abogando para Cambio y Equidad) completaron 228 encuestas en Evanston y organizaron una reunión pública el 14 de junio. Los resultados de su encuesta resaltaron las preocupaciones de la comunidad sobre las calles oscuras y sucias, la violencia y las viviendas inasequibles. Estamos agradecidos por el espíritu de colaboración de todos los que se unieron a los padres de Evanston para escuchar los resultados y discutir soluciones, especialmente el concejal del Distrito 5, Bobby Burns, la secretaria municipal de Evanston, Stephanie Mendoza, el presidente de la junta del Distrito 65, Sergio Hernández, Jr., el Departamento de Policía de Evanston, y Rebecca Mendoza de Evanston Latinos. Juntos podemos hacer la diferencia.
¿Está interesado en unirse a un grupo dedicado de padres que luchan por el cambio y la equidad en Evanston? Envíe un correo electrónico a tmoore@cofionline.org para obtener más información y mantenerse actualizado sobre nuestra próxima reunión.
 Are you in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle? Don't miss our upcoming workshop on Tuesday, July 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the First Northern Credit Union, 1705 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL. Our financial experts will guide you through:
- Finding the right vehicle at the right price near you.
- Unique programs that can lower your monthly payment by up to 40%.
- Refinancing your current auto loan—understand your options and benefits.
- And much more!
Bring your questions for our interactive session and get answers on the spot. Plus, enjoy a free dinner while you learn!
Learn more and RSVP at www.fncu.org/seminars
 Registration for Chicago Ballet Arts' summer classes for ages 2-18 is open. Classes run Monday, July 8 through Saturday, August 3. No auditions are required and new and returning students are welcome.
Chicago Ballet Arts is also delighted to hold its 4th Annual Adult Intensive, July 15 to 21. Community members are invited to join us for an informal sharing presented by the participating dancers on Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. Please email us at info@chicagoballetarts.org or call us at 847-859-6066 for details.
Upcoming Performances
Chicago Ballet Arts is excited to participate in the upcoming Dance in the Parks free performance at Ridgeville Park in Evanston on Wednesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. Our students will join professional dancers on the outdoor stage for this family friendly event.
More News and Events
Natural Habitat Evanston Free Tree Giveaway
 Natural Habitat Evanston is excited to offer FREE trees to the 5th Ward and needs your help spreading the word. For four years, we’ve been helping residents select, plant, and care for native trees on their properties. This year, Foster Seniors and Cradle2Career are assisting us in reaching more people. Give your input!
Survey
We want to understand what the 5th Ward thinks about trees. Take the survey here.
Why Trees?
Expanding the tree canopy in the 5th Ward aligns with the EPlan’s goals. Trees are crucial for combating urban heat. For example, an Evanston Treekeeper found that temperatures in the Valli parking lot were 118°F, compared to 76°F under mature trees nearby. Trees provide more than shade; they release oxygen and absorb water, benefiting those with respiratory and circulatory issues, which the EPlan identified significantly impacting low-income and minority communities. There are lots of other benefits from trees as well.
The Only Requirement
We need the property owner's permission to plant, and residents must care for the trees by watering them, protecting them from mowers, and avoiding harmful chemicals. We plan for fall 2024 plantings, with requests rolling over to 2025 if necessary.
More Resources
- Watch our video on Evanston’s tree canopy here.
- Learn more about the 5th Ward giveaway here.
- Discover the benefits of native trees. More info.
Thank you to Natural Habitat Evanston for their dedicated work in the 5th Ward over the past four years.
Church and Dodge Market 🥦
 I am thrilled to announce the exciting relaunch of the Church & Dodge Market, reviving our community's cherished farmer’s market tradition. Visit the market on Sunday, July 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 1623 Dodge Avenue, the market will be open every second Sunday from June to October.
Community Block Party Event
 We are excited to announce that Connections for the Homeless’ 3rd Annual Block Party is back! Every year, it is an honor to participate in the planning committee for this event. I have the opportunity to work alongside dedicated Fifth Ward members and the outstanding staff at Connections for the Homeless. We are thrilled to bring this exciting celebration to our community again.
Bobby Burns
Councilmember, 5th Ward
bburns@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org
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