Evanston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Evanston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
900 Clark Street development
The 8-1 approval of the Church Street Plaza amendment clears a 300-plus-unit tower with 72 capped-rent affordable homes next to transit. Supporters called it a test of the Housing for All plan; one councilmember cited abatement and affordability concerns in dissent.
Proposed Computer Processing Center at 1265 Hartrey Ave
Residents and the board are worried about a proposed data center's energy, water, and noise impacts, and whether city zoning rules even address AI data centers. The board voted to send questions to staff and the Land Use Commission and to ask the council to consider a moratorium on future data center approvals until an environmental review process exists.
Church Street Plaza North Planned Development Amendment
A developer is seeking approval for a 26-story mixed-use tower with 360 residential units, 72 affordable apartments, and parking at 900 Clark Street. While supporters highlight the critical need for downtown housing and affordable units, neighbors have raised serious concerns regarding traffic congestion, wind tunnels, blocked sunlight, and lost property values.
Policy Referral Routing for Line 83
Line 85 was routed to the Administration and Public Works Committee to be coordinated alongside the city's Bike Plan discussions.
Church Street Plaza North Mixed-Use Tower Proposal
A proposal to build a 26-story mixed-use tower with 360 units at 900 Clark Street has sparked significant neighborhood debate over traffic, building height, shadows, and student housing impacts.
Chicago Avenue Property Subdivision
Splitting the existing 1620-1640 Chicago Avenue property into two separate lots for the Whole Foods store and the residential tower to allow independent ownership structures without new construction.
Ryan Field Operational Plans Oversight
The advisory council reviewed security, transportation, and sustainability plans for the new stadium to ensure community interests are protected.
Housing Plan
Evanston's City Council just passed a major new housing plan after a tough debate. This roadmap is going to dictate where and how future homes get built across our neighborhoods.
Housing Affordability
Evanston leaders are scrambling to find the cash needed to hit their major affordable housing goals. Expect local officials to start debating new ways to fund these projects very soon.