Friday, May 30, 2025 | View in browser
Dear Neighbors,
I'm humbled and honored to have been selected to represent Evanston’s Third Ward on City Council. Thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts and ideas during the campaign, I look forward to continuing those conversations and meeting many more of you in the years ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your concerns, questions, or suggestions. I’m here to serve you.
Upcoming First Ward Meeting
Our first 3rd Ward meeting is coming up. Join in on Tuesday, June 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School.
This meeting be largely focused on the Lot 1 Project.
Future meetings will address important topics like traffic calming and Evanston’s Environmental Equity Plan (EE2045). I hope to see many of you there to share your thoughts and get engaged in these key issues.
Office Hours
Every first Thursday at Brothers K Coffeehouse (500 Main St.) | 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Every third Monday at Hoosier Mama Pie Company (749 Chicago Ave.) | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Main-Dempster Mile: Shop Local!
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Sip and Stroll earlier this month. It was a lovely and successful event. As we head into summer, let’s continue to support our vibrant local business community along the Main-Dempster Mile. Your support helps keep our neighborhood unique and thriving.
 Its officially beach season!
Swimming beaches are open
Ready to feel the sand between your toes and take a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan? Evanston beaches open for the season this Saturday.
Evanston residents: Beaches are free for you again this year. However, all beach patrons must present a season beach pass or daily ticket to enter. Pick up your passes with proof of residency from community centers.
Non-Evanston residents: Season beach passes or daily beach tickets are required for Evanston's swimming beaches. Buy daily tokens on the Yodel platform starting May 24 or in person at Dempster or Clark Street Beach offices. Season passes are available at Evanston community centers.
New for 2025: Families who live outside of Evanston (60201 or 60202) and who have students enrolled in School District 65 or ETHS are eligible to receive free beach passes. Learn more.
Coffee by the Lake
Located at 1631 Sheridan Road, the Café at Arrington Lagoon is now open daily (except Mondays) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. This charming lakefront café offers a delightful selection of coffee, tea, and pastries. Enjoy your morning beverage on the patio overlooking the lagoon!
Sauna at Church Boat Launch
Looking for a unique way to unwind this summer? The Sauna Club is hosting lakeside sauna sessions at the Church Street Boat Launch (1531 Sheridan Rd.). Join them every Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., through the end of June, and potentially longer, depending on attendance. Enjoy a relaxing sauna experience with scenic lake views. For more details and to book a session, visit mysaunaclub.com.
Evanston Dog Beach
Located just south of Clark Street Beach, the Dog Beach is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A 2025 pass is required, free for residents, and can be picked up at City community center. Passes should be worn on a breakaway lanyard while at the beach. Cityofevanston.org/dogbeach.
 Major Infrastructure Investment: $3M for Chicago Avenue Corridor
I'm thrilled to share that my first press conference included some great news, Evanston is receiving $3 million from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Chicago Avenue Corridor project. This “complete streets” project is expected to launch in 2027 and will bring significant upgrades, including:
-
A protected bike lane
-
Improved pedestrian safety and ADA-compliant sidewalks
-
Streetscape enhancements like new lighting, trees, and bus shelters
-
Easier and safer access to Nichols Middle School, Downtown, and Northwestern
Comprehensive Plan Update
The Land Use Commission recently approved the draft Comprehensive Plan by a 7-1 vote. As this comes to Council, I’m eager to discuss it more deeply within our community. This plan will shape Evanston’s growth and development for years to come, and your input is essential.
 Summer Youth Food Program begins June 9
The City is offering free breakfast and lunch for youth ages 1-18 at multiple locations across the city this summer as a part of its Summer Youth Food Program. No sign-up or income requirements are needed, simply drop in! Meals will be served Monday-Friday from June 9 to August 8, with breakfast available from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Meal pickup locations: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, Robert Crown Community Center, Mason Park, and Dawes School.
 Embrace community at our First Friday events
Save the date for the kickoff First Friday event at Mason Park on June 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Evanston C.A.R.E. team and will feature food, music, outdoor games, BINGO, basketball, an obstacle course, raffle prizes, and more!
Sign up for Free Mental Health First Aid training
The City is offering free Mental Health First Aid training for community members, providing the skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. If you're interested in participating, sign up for a session today!
Shawn Iles
Councilmember, 3rd Ward
siles@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-316-1662
Sign up for the 3rd Ward Newsletter
|
