The Planning and Development Committee voted 4-to-1 on Monday night to rezone part of the Main Street district so that high-rise buildings cannot be built there.
Committee members agreed to keep every building west of the Metra tracks on the north and south side of Main Street 45-feet high or less, which was consistent with the Plan Commission’s recommendation.
The major point of contention at the meeting was the building where Evanston Bank, 603 Main St., is currently located. The bank is set to relocate to a building across the street, while the current building will be redeveloped. The Plan Commission recommended not to rezone the area where Evanston Bank is currently located, but the committee decided that this parcel of land should be limited to 67 feet in height instead of 125 feet.
Third Ward residents were pleased with the committee’s decision because they believe the development of high-rise buildings will change their neighborhood’s character.
“The Third Ward is already the most dense residential area of the city,” said Penny Miller, an Evanston resident.
Evanston resident and real estate developer George Cyrus said he is not in favor of the committee’s decision. Cyrus believes there is a “significant social cost of down-zoning,” that will deter condominium developers away from the Third Ward. He also believes the development of condominiums means an increase in Evanston’s population and therefore an increase in tax dollars that could be used for education and other social programs.
Ald. Arthur Newman (1st) said the city will not gain any extra tax dollars because of the development and that Evanston residents pay less in taxes when the population of the city increases.
Chairman of the committee, Ald. Stephen Engelman (7th), was the only member to vote against the proposal. He believes that the down-zoning will limit the economic development of Evanston and limit the city’s revenues.
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) said the committee has to focus on whatever makes people want to live in Evanston.
The proposal was introduced at the Monday night City Council Meeting and will be voted on at the Aug. 13 meeting.
