Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | View in browser
Happy New Year!
As many of you know, Envision Evanston 2045 encompasses a comprehensive plan component as well as proposed corresponding changes to the zoning code and zoning map.
I encourage everyone to get or stay engaged in this process.
The City Council will discuss the proposed timeline at our meeting on January 13. You can submit written public comments on the proposed timeline and attend the meeting to provide public comments as well.
 Release of Draft Zoning Chapters
On December 31, the City released the next set of draft zoning chapters, which include use permissions for each proposed zoning district and standards for those uses, outlining general provisions for development in the zoning districts, and regulations governing nonconforming uses and structures.
What’s New? The latest draft covers the following chapters:
- Use Regulations
- Development Standards
- Nonconforming Uses and Structures
These chapters will be discussed at the upcoming Land Use Commission meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 6 p.m., at the Morton Civic Center. This is one of many opportunities to learn more and provide input on how we can best shape our community’s future.
There is still time to review the Draft Comprehensive Plan!
There is still time to provide feedback on the Draft Comprehensive Plan, which will serve as a long-term roadmap for the city’s growth and development priorities. Your input is vital to this process. Share your thoughts by completing the surveys below:
By sharing your thoughts on these plans and updates, you are helping to shape the future of our city.
Land Use Commission Review
The draft proposals are currently being considered by the Land Use Commission. The schedule of hearings and opportunities to submit comments are below.
Land Use Commission meeting dates and their anticipated topic areas (each meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Morton Civic Center):
- January 8: Comprehensive Plan
- January 15: Comprehensive Plan
- January 22: Zoning Code and Zoning Map
- January 29: Zoning Code and Zoning Map
- February 12: Zoning Code and Zoning Map
Those wishing to provide public comment to the Land Use Commission have the opportunity to do so via two possible means:
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Online written comments using the Commission's Public Comment Form.
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For in-person meetings, a sign-in sheet is provided outside of Council Chambers before the meeting, or sign-up in advance through the Commission's Public Comment Form.
Resources and Meeting Videos
There are links to videos of previous Land Use Commission meetings on the topic of Envision Evanston 2045 on the Commission’s website as well. Video of recent ward meetings on Envision Evanston 2045 are here and here.
My thoughts
*Data sets, charts, and professional analyses that clearly present the feedback received based on the Envision Evanston community outreach are essential for quantifying and articulating the community’s needs and aspirations. Leading to the creation of the revised zoning code, the City conducted a Phase One survey, which garnered participation from 2,874 residents that provided valuable insights. The City has also conducted numerous community meetings, gathered online feedback, and held discussions at the Land Use Commission and City Council meetings to ensure a wide range of perspectives were heard. In all, approximately 3% of the population has participated in providing feedback. However, this is simply not enough participation for a city of 75,000 people.
A zoning code determines the built environment. Most zoning codes are an update from the previous code and offer modifications of the regulations that should change with the times and evolution of society. This proposed zoning code is not an update. This is a completely new code for Evanston. Data, reasoning, and full community discussion are essential.
An interactive zoning map is here but really requires additional information to be a more useful tool for residents to be able to see what is currently permitted vs. what would potentially be permitted under the proposed changes. Accurate visual representations of the potential changes as well as examples from Evanston’s current built environment are needed.
My hope is that the City Council’s discussion on January 13 will result in modifications to the proposed timeline above and allow for meaningful additional public input. It is too critical that a 20-year comprehensive plan has significant support and buy-in from residents to accept anything less.
*The views expressed are those of Councilmember Suffredin and not those of the City of Evanston.
Thomas M. Suffredin
Councilmember, 6th Ward
847-859-7810
tsuffredin@cityofevanston.org
www.cityofevanston.org
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