Parks & Rec Director Joe McRae Discusses Lagoon Improvements

On Tuesday, April 22, Joe McRae extended his long workday as Evanston’s new Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services to join SEA’s monthly Board meeting.

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Lakefront construction in progress. ©2014 Ted Glasoe

Mr. McRae discussed the $1.4 million, yearlong project to widen permeable pathways and improve patio spaces and the stage area.  The plan also includes much-needed improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems that control the lagoon’s filtration and fountains.  McCrae said that no trees would be removed unless they are sick, dead or have been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer.  McRae, an Evanston resident and lakefront lover, called the Dawes Park lagoon his “Zen place” where he and all Evanston residents can enjoy all that the city has to offer:  beauty, nature, and community.  

Planned signage for the renovated lagoon

With improvements funded in large part by a $500,000 donation from the Arrington Foundation, the lagoon will be renamed in memory of W. Russell Arrington, who long represented Evanston in the Illinois House and Senate.  A permanent sign will be installed, as shown in this rendering.

Other funding will come from a state grant, and the city’s capital improvement program.
A large area around the lagoon is fenced off for construction for the rest of the summer, with an opening planned for Fall 2014.  McRae said that an alternative location and plans for 4th of July festivities are being discussed among multiple city departments.

HOW SEA SEES IT

It was a pleasure for our Board to have Joe McRae visit with us.  We appreciate his candor, honesty, humor, and enthusiasm for our beautiful city and its 92 public parks.

Big changes at the North Shore Retirement Hotel

The developer's rendering of the proposed addition

What we have known as the North Shore Retirement Hotel is changing. Plans for an additional residence to the North Shore have now been presented at the City’s Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee. You can read more about it in the packet they prepared for the city's Site Plan and Appearance Review committee.

New proposal for 910 Hinman Ave

An upcoming Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee meeting on April 30, 2014 at 2:30pm will discuss plans for 910 Hinman Ave. The applicant requests zoning variances to construct a 4-story, 7-unit multifamily residence with 62.2% building lot coverage where 45% is allowed, 78% impervious surface coverage where 60% is allowed, and four open parking spaces that are not within 30’ of the rear property line where open parking must be within 30’ of the rear property line. On September 13, 2010, and earlier proposal for the site had been on the agenda (see top of page 2) the Council’s Planning and Development Committee. The proposal made then was for a larger structure. The Zoning Board of Appeals had, at the time, voted to recommend that the Council approve the project.

Signature Leadership Evanston Now Enrolling Students for 2014-15 Class

SEA Vice President Rick Weiland recently participated in a session of the “Signature Leadership Evanston” program. In one of four breakout groups, Weiland debated Ald. Mark Tendam (6th Ward) on whether Evanston should regulate Bed & Breakfast establishments. (For SEA’s position on B&B’s, see our Letter to the City Council. The object of the session was to help prepare breakout group members to define and promote issues of interest to them in Evanston. 

Now in its 23rd year, Leadership Evanston is suite of programs operated by the Evanston Community Foundation, open to people who live or work in Evanston. The Signature Leadership Evanston program is a 10‑month class that trains 30 individuals annually in leadership skills, such as visioning, collaborating, facilitating, creative problem solving, analyzing policy, and building trust and respect, while broadening their understanding of Evanston through shared experiences and conversations with key players. Its alumni network now has more than 600 members. Enrollment is now open for the 2014-2015 class. If you are interested, you can read more about the program or contact Jennifer G. Moran, Director of Leadership Evanston, at Moran@EvanstonForever.org. 

Main-Chicago TIF District

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a program that allocates future increases in property taxes from a designated area to pay for improvements only within that area. The program lasts for 23 years after the creation of the TIF district.

An easy way to understand a TIF is to consider this: Your annual salary is $10,000 at year #1. For 23 years, your checking account then receives $10,000 annually. All other raises, bonuses, commissions, or other increases you earn go to a separate account. That separate account funds your TIF.

The Main-Chicago TIF was established in 2013. It will expire in 2036.

An Advisory Committee of local residents and business owners was put into place by the City Council, in order to vet and prioritize ideas for kinds of development within the TIF district. Information on the Committee can be found here. This panel provides information and feedback to the Council for its deliberation.

The City Council voted for the TIF with major considerations in mind. One was the future use of the property at the SE corner of Main and Chicago. Another was the aging public infrastructure of the area. Others were the appearance of the area as well as a desire to support existing businesses, many of which are unique and irreplaceable.

Illinois law controls the kind of items a TIF can fund. Within those rules, many different types of projects may be considered. The Advisory Committee will develop ways and means to test proposals and evaluate them in light of the general goals of this TIF.

The City Council is the governing body for determination of how TIF funds will be used.