SEA Vice President Sheila Sullivan Urges Support for Evanston Lakefront Protection Ordinance
Southeast Evanston Lakefront
Southeast Evanston Association Vice President Sheila Sullivan delivered the following statement to Evanston’s Environment Board in support of the proposed Evanston Lakefront Protection Ordinance.
Sullivan, an Evanston resident of more than 30 years and a retired U.S. Environmental Protection Agency professional, emphasized that the lakefront is both an environmental resource and a shared public asset that deserves durable protection.
“Our lakefront is not just another piece of public property. It’s one of Evanston’s defining treasures — a place where residents and families create memories, people connect with nature, and where all members of our community should have access in perpetuity.”
In her remarks, Sullivan cited mounting pressures on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, including erosion, habitat loss, and climate-related change. She said the ordinance would establish an important framework for protecting public access, green space, native plantings, wildlife habitat, water quality, and sustainable shoreline practices.
Sullivan also stressed the importance of public oversight as Evanston considers future development and land-use decisions affecting the lakefront.
“The lakefront belongs to the people of Evanston. It should remain open, welcoming, and accessible to everyone — not gradually privatized, overdeveloped, or compromised through decisions made without strong public oversight and engagement.”
SEA supports the ordinance’s emphasis on transparency, public participation, and thoughtful review of future proposals affecting the lakefront. Sullivan noted that the proposal strikes an important balance: establishing meaningful protections while remaining politically achievable and legally defensible, with the opportunity for stronger implementation measures or amendments over time.
“Protecting our lakefront is not only an environmental responsibility,” Sullivan concluded. “It is also a commitment to equity, public access, community identity, and future generations.”
Southeast Evanston Association urges the Environment Board to support acceptance of the Evanston Lakefront Protection Ordinance.