City Council approved a 30-unit housing development at 1103-1105 Emerson St. during its Monday night meeting amid concerns from neighbors about the potential displacement of Black residents.
The development, proposed by PM Properties LLC, will replace two residential buildings with a five-story, multi-family building, more than doubling the lot’s number of units. The new building will include three Inclusionary Housing Ordinance units. Council preliminarily approved the development at its May 11 meeting but then tabled its final vote on May 26.
Some residents voiced opposition to the development during public comment, citing concerns about its impact on the neighboring Ebenezer AME Church, Evanston’s first Black church. Residents were apprehensive about the potential displacement of Black residents.
At its June 22 meeting, Council unanimously amended the resolution, adding a “good neighbor agreement,” or language promising that developers will work with city staff to finalize exterior building details and updated elevations mirroring the building’s latest rendering.
Rev. Deborah Scott of Ebenezer AME, located at 1109 Emerson St., spoke on behalf of her congregation, sharing concerns about how the development would impact the historic building.
“My church members still have concerns,” Scott said. “They don’t have confidence that the city will enforce this good neighbor agreement.”
Sisters Tina and Renee Paden, neighbors of the development, also spoke out against the project during public comment. Tina Paden, the landlord of buildings adjacent to the development, said the city has previously ignored Emerson Street’s Black history.
Tina Paden said her family has lived on the block for over 100 years as historically Black buildings, such as the Emerson Street Branch YMCA, were shuttered and demolished. She said the new Emerson development now threatens Ebenezer AME and her buildings.
Renee Paden echoed her sister, adding she is worried about the displacement of Black families in the neighborhood.
“Some councilmembers are pushing for a building that won’t improve but oppress a neighborhood that has already been overrun by the city with total disregard for Black families and Black history,” Renee Paden said.
She directly called out Ald. Bobby Burns (5th), suggesting he has ignored the neighbors on the other side of the property.
Burns responded to the criticism, highlighting meetings he has held with church congregants.
He said he has carefully listened to residents and incorporated community feedback into his amendment passed at the June 22 Council meeting. He said the “good neighbor agreement” included in the amendment addresses the neighbors’ main concerns.
“It is not an empty promise,” Burns said. “It is codified in ordinance. It is enforceable not only by that ordinance, but by permits. As I mentioned to Pastor Scott earlier today, these things will not move forward, demolition will not move forward, construction will not move forward, certificate of occupancy will not be provided unless those things are met.”
Burns also said that this project is not tearing down a historic building, but is rather “a private owner who is proposing a housing development on their property.”
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) expressed concerns about the development’s size diminishing the presence of Ebenezer AME. She also voiced doubts over whether the developers would honor their agreements to the community.
“This is a very special historically Black neighborhood that deserves special care and consideration,” Kelly said.
Council ultimately approved the development in a 5-1 vote, with Burns, Ald. Shawn Iles (3rd), Ald. Parielle Davis (7th), Ald. Matt Rodgers (8th) and Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) voting in favor and Kelly voting against the proposal.
Burns emphasized that the development will include three IHO units aimed at people earning 40% of the area median income. Burns said these deeply affordable units are much needed in the community.
“One of the main ways we achieve affordable housing is through our Inclusionary Housing units,” Burns said. “But we don’t get them if we don’t allow development to happen.”
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Related Stories:
— City Council postpones vote on Emerson Street development
— City Council delays action on EPL Board vacancies
— City Council delays action on TIF districts, sweepstakes machines
