Aldermen expect approval Monday for opening a Starbucks at 519 Main St., despite months of controversy about parking and traffic concerns.
Only two aldermen, Melissa Wynne (3rd) and Joseph Kent (5th), dissented at a December’s meeting when the Starbucks was discussed.
Some aldermen say the plan would benefit the community by filling retail vacancies and increasing tax revenue.
“(Starbucks) is a viable tenant, and they bring in more viable tenants,” said Ald. Steven Bernstein (4th).
Bernstein said the possible revenue increase outweighs parking and traffic problems.
“I don’t think the problems the neighbors have are going to be as bad as they have feared,” Bernstein said.
Since Wynne’s ward includes the site, Kent said he would be appeased if alterations in the proposal please her. But if the City Council votes to allow the Starbucks, Kent said he will remain opposed in principle.
“I believe that (Starbucks) adds to congestion, and we already have a problem with that,” Kent said.
Both Bernstein and Kent said they expect the council to approve the Starbucks.
Residents have frequently voiced concerns, launching a petition in July 2000 that garnered 1,500 signatures.
“This is simply not a good location for a fast-in, fast-out business,” said resident Maureen Glasoe at the Nov. 12 Planning and Development Committee Meeting. “If we had our choice, we’d prefer a more destination-type store.”
The city council scheduled a final vote after sending the proposal back to the Planning and Development Committee in December to clarify its language.
Also proposed at the committee meeting was an apartment building at 1930 Ridge Ave.
Evanston Realty Partners submitted a plan for an 11-story complex last summer, but they reduced it to eight stories in September and then to four stories after aldermen objected.
Kent, whose ward includes the site, said the current proposal is an improvement, noting the building’s diminished height and the addition of underground parking. But he remains opposed to the number of units.
“It is too many people to bring into a small section of a neighborhood,” Kent said.
The Plan Commission, composed of Evanston residents, unanimously approved the developer’s revised plans in November. Other residents felt the site should have a smaller apartment complex.
“I don’t think the investment proposal (that the developer) had in mind is a good idea,” said Daniel Garrison, an Evanston resident and Northwestern classics professor.
Neighbors complain there is insufficient parking for the building and it will attract NU students who commonly have cars, he said. He also said the proposal does not have enough supervision and would lead to problems between residents and students.
