For more than six months, Evanstonians have been encouraged to think about the kind of Evanston they want in the coming decades. City staff have attended ward meetings and sponsored community events to generate discussion about what to preserve in Evanston and what to change. The city is working to create a new comprehensive plan, to replace the last one adopted in 2000, and define a new zoning code to replace the code of 1993.
These discussions with community members generated general preferences: concern about an inadequate supply of housing in a town with limited land; worry about families whose adult children cannot afford to live here; a desire for more public spaces to gather to relax and find enjoyment; frustration with the zoning code that is complicated and unpredictable; and anxiety about how Evanston will respond to climate change.
City staff provided an update to council at the end of July emphasizing the importance of developing housing, the need to reduce parking requirements and the value of greater population density to increase the tax base. Creating more public spaces is a goal, as well as simplifying the zoning code. New transportation options are needed. Council members responded positively to these priorities and several emphasized the need to incorporate planning for climate change. They pointed out the importance of reviving Downtown Evanston, as well as supporting the various neighborhood business districts.
Council members also asked about the timetable for the process. Staff, working with experienced planning consultants, expect to produce a draft plan later this year and a final version early in 2025. Initial proposed action steps appeared at the Referrals Committee meeting at the end of August, with referrals to specific bodies to develop language for new ordinances including: landscape standards for a tree canopy; a new zoning map with fewer districts and overlays than the current one; revised R1, R2 and R3 zoning to allow up to 4 units; a streamlined development approval process to allow more uses by right; a simpler special events ordinance; and identifying growth centers, corridors or transit hubs allowing mixed-use zoning.
After that meeting, Mayor Biss issued a public letter calling for boldness in addressing these issues. He supported many of the ideas in the report and underscored the need to move from general goals to specific policies and ordinances. He expressed appreciation for Council’s general affirmation of the project and encouraged more engagement from the community. He warned that a comprehensive plan without community buy-in is unlikely to be properly implemented.
Despite the progress made thus far, some engaged community members say the process is moving too fast. They argue that the proposals for change need more consideration and more flexibility.
LWVE has committed to following these Envision Evanston 2045 developments and expressing our support and our questions when the draft documents are presented. Please contact
Sue Calder or
Betty Hayford if you would like to be part of the group to monitor and respond to these key guidelines for the next decades in Evanston.