Thursday, January 30, 2025 | View in browser
5th Ward Meeting & News
I want to remind everyone about our virtual ward meeting this evening on Thursday, January 30 at 7 p.m. We meet on the last Thursday of each month, so please mark your calendars.
Join via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/pab-nezi-hsw
Join via Phone: 516-667-0566
PIN: 598631691
Below are the topics we’ll be discussing:
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5th Ward Zoning Explained: Zoning plays a crucial role in shaping our community by regulating what types of buildings and activities are allowed in different areas of the city. Each zoning district has specific rules that determine where homes, businesses, and other developments can be built. If you’re planning a new project—whether it’s building a home, opening a business, or making significant property changes—it’s important to understand these zoning laws. The city’s Zoning Division oversees these regulations to ensure development aligns with community plans and standards. We’ll review the current zoning districts in the Fifth Ward at our meeting, led by Sarah Flax, Evanston’s Community Development Director.
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Parks and Recreation Summer Programs: Join us for an overview of the City of Evanston’s 2025 summer programs, led by Matt Poole, Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. The department offers a diverse array of camps and activities for all ages, including arts, sports, ecology, and more. Evanston residents can register for summer camps online starting February 1 at 8 a.m. and in person on February 3 at 10 a.m. Non-resident registration begins on February 10 at 10 a.m.
Si desea recibir este boletín en español, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico a bburns@cityofevanston.org.
 Season’s Greetings from the Burns Family!
I want to wish everyone a joyful winter season from our family to yours. Pictured here are my daughters, Angeli and Noella Lily, enjoying a brisk winter day at the lakefront. We signed them up for a nature exploration program through the Ecology Center, and they absolutely love it. If it’s not obvious from Noella Lily’s expression, she had a fantastic time—both of them did!
We also have several positive updates in the Fifth Ward:
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Fifth Ward School Progress – Construction is underway, and the school is still on track to open in 2026. District 65 has launched Phase 3 of the Student Assignment Planning (SAP), forming a committee to:
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- Develop a transition plan for families.
- Project enrollment and plan academic programs for the new Foster School, considering options like STEAM, TWE, and ACC.
- Ensure the hiring of effective educators to support all students, with a focus on Black and Brown students, as we work to close the achievement gap in Evanston.
- Assign student liaisons to families to support the transition.
- Establish a clear timeline for the entire process.
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Lead Pipe Replacement Program
The city has secured funding to replace all lead water service lines with copper lines in the Fifth Ward at no cost to property owners. This work has already begun on certain streets and will continue over the next four to five years.
Why is this important? Lead pipes can leach lead into drinking water, which poses serious health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women. Even low levels of lead exposure have been linked to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other long-term health issues.
When it’s your block’s turn, you’ll receive a letter in the mail explaining how the program works and how to participate. We’ve worked to make the process as simple as possible, but if you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
 Foster School Update
The construction of Foster School is progressing well and remains within its $48.5 million budget. Approximately 90% of the project's contracts have been finalized. The final two bid groups will address elements such as flooring, kitchen installations, playground equipment, and exterior landscaping and pavement.
The building's groundwork to set the foundation is almost complete in preparation for the construction of the structural walls in March and April.
In terms of leadership, the Foster School principal position has been posted and applications are being accepted with the aim to announce the principal hire in April.
The project remains on track for completion by July 13, 2026, with the school opening to students in the fall of next year.
Community Meeting for Future Foster Families
On February 19, future Foster School families are invited to Fleetwood-Jourdain for a pizza dinner and to learn more about the School's progress, meet other future families, review and vote for the school's logo and colors, and provide input on the criteria used to select the principal.
 Evanston is a Welcoming City for all
The City remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for all residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. View the City's "Welcoming City Ordinance", which was updated on Monday, January 13.
"Know Your Rights" Workshop: The City held a "Know Your Rights" workshop on Mon., Jan. 20 to share resources. View the "Know Your Rights" presentation presented by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights and watch a video of the workshop.
Additional Resources:
Northlight to break ground on new Theatre Center!
 We are delighted to share the exciting news that Northlight will break ground on the new theatre center in the first quarter of 2025. This is the result of successfully raising over 80% of the total project funds ($26.2 million) which allows us to get a shovel in the ground in and start construction of the new Northlight Theatre!
We are grateful to you for playing such a vital role in getting us to this critical point. Northlight's new state-of-the art theatre will have a major impact on Chicago's arts and culture landscape as well as enormous economic impact in downtown Evanston. As a significant award-winning regional theatre recognized for commissioning, developing and producing new work, Northlight is eager to return home to Evanston and launch the next 50 years of producing intensely entertaining theatre!
We continue to raise funds for the final phase of the project. To date, more than 350 individuals, foundations, corporations and government sources have contributed to the pre-construction phase of $26 million raised. A public fundraising campaign will start in January 2025 to complete the final phase of fundraising.
Thank you for helping us achieve this incredible milestone! Thanks to you, Northlight's new theatre center in downtown Evanston is becoming a reality! Now let's get it done!
With gratitude,
Tim Evans, BJ Jones, Kim Hoopingarner
Poem by Janet Alexander Davis
West End Area Block Club, 5th Ward Neighbor
Some thoughts nearing the climax of this year-2024
As my life in 2024 comes to close,
I think of my neighbors, the joy that still glows.
With good humor, we gather, our memories grand, At the holiday party, together we stand.
Though some are now missing, their laughter we yearn, Oh, how time swiftly flies, it's a lesson we learn.
We cherish the goodness, the bonds that we weave, As we heal a nation where many still grieve.
In a world that’s in flux, with challenges rife, we continue to mend in this tapestry of life.
Yet billionaires plot as they creep ever near, we question democracy, its future unclear.
How will it endure these tumultuous times, when so many seek to pull apart what still rhymes?
With love as our anchor and unity's light, we'll weather the storms and emerge into night.
Let kindness and laughter in our hearts take flight, together we’ll stand, holding hope ever tight.
For the spirit of neighbors will shine through the grey, in friendship and trust, we'll find our own way.
Evanston Fire Department Hiring New Lifeguards for the 2025 Summer Season
 The Evanston Fire Department is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join its lifeguard team for the 2025 summer season. Applications are now open.
Bobby Burns
Councilmember, 5th Ward
224-714-2184
www.cityofevanston.org
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