News Posted in: December 2010
Friday, December 31, 2010
This New Year, why not consider some new resolutions which are good for you and good for the environment. The Evanston Climate Action Plan outlines over 200 strategies that the City is working on to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. You can help support this plan in 2011 with some Eco Resolutions of your own. The Office of Sustainability has created a quick reference of actions that Evanston residents and businesses can implement to help support the Climate…
more »
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The City of Evanston's Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator Matt Swentkofske reminds residents of several new laws that will take effect in the New Year. On January 1, 2011 numerous changes to Illinois state law take effect. They represent a wide variety of topics and issues that your state legislature deals with on a daily basis. Below you will find a small sampling of the many bills passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor during the 2009-10…
more »
Want to know about the latest Food Recall? Need Food Safety Tips for you next family dinner? The Evanston health department has posted a widget with the latest food recall information and food safety tips courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Please visit www.cityofevanston.org/health to view the information on the right hand side of the page. If you have additional questions…
more »
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Posted in SWANCC; recycling
Evanston residents are encouraged to recycle their old holiday string lights and extension cords at the Evanston Ecology Center or at the Evanston Public Library until January 31st. Garland, live greens, wreaths or other non-recyclables are not accepted in this program. The lights are then recycled by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County of which the City of Evanston is a member. The following are the sites and drop-off hours: City of Evanston - Ecology Center 2024 McCormick Boulevard Monday -…
more »
Monday, December 27, 2010
The City of Evanston is looking for individuals that are willing to help shovel Evanston residents' sidewalks and driveways. This volunteer service will help residents, especially older residents and those with disabilities, who are unable to shovel themselves out of their homes. If you are able to volunteer your time, fill out the online form here>>> For additional information, e-mail volunteer@cityofevanston.org or call 847/448-8266. …
more »
Thursday, December 23, 2010
UPDATE: On Tuesday night, the City of Evanston hosted its first Façade Improvement Program Informational Session. We had more than 50 attendees representing businesses in all nine of Evanston’s wards. Since this is the first time this new program will be offered, we will be offering a second informational session on Friday, January 7th at 8am at the Civic Center. PLEASE NOTE: If a representative from a business or property attended the 1/4/2011 meeting, attendance at this meeting is not…
more »
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Posted in Arts, Black History Month, Noyes Art Gallery
The City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division is pleased to announce an upcoming special exhibition in celebration of Black History Month, “A Family Portrait,” at the Noyes Art Gallery. The exhibition will be on display from January 23 through March 18 and will feature artwork by the award-winning Turner family of Chicago. The exhibition is presented jointly by the City of Evanston’s Cultural Arts Division and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center to celebrate Black History Month. An artist’s reception for the…
more »
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The White House Internship Program’s summer 2011 application has now been posted. The application deadline is Sunday, January 9. For more information and to apply, please visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/internship. "This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve…I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.” —President Barack Obama, May 22, 2009 President Obama…
more »
Monday, December 20, 2010
Posted in Chromium, Water Division
The City of Evanston's Water Division has annually tested for total chromium in their drinking water since 1979. However, Underwriter’s Laboratory, the nationally recognized water quality laboratory utilized by Evanston for this type of water analysis, only has equipment capable of measuring the level of total chromium in water to 5.0 parts per billion (ppb). The chromium in Evanston’s water has always been below this detection level and reported as non-detectable, or less than 5.0 ppb. A December 19, 2010 article…
more »
Posted in Parking
Avoid the rush, Avoid feeding the meter, Avoid parking tickets, Park in the Maple Ave. Garage! A program to incentivize parking on the upper deck is starting Dec. 20, 2010 by providing a reducedmonthly rate to business and retail employees in the downtown area. A monthly fee of $50.00 will be charged to participate in this program. This is a $35.00 savings off the regular monthly fee of $85.00. As a result, the city anticipates more street level parking will…
more »
Posted in Vehicle Stickers
2011 Evanston Vehicle Stickers must be purchased & displayed by January 10, 2011. A penalty of 50% of the fee will be added to all applications received /postmarked after January 10. (A passenger car vehicle sticker will cost $113 rather than $75.) The effort to provide an opportunity for residents to purchase their 2011 Evanston City Vehicle Sticker at both the Levy and Fleetwood-Jourdain centers has proved to be successful and the City of Evanston…
more »
Friday, December 17, 2010
Posted in A.J. Wright, Economic Development, HomeGoods, TJX
At a press conference on December 17, 2010 Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl publicly called on TJX Companies to not pull out of Evanston and urged residents to write the company in support of rebranding existing store into a HomeGoods store. The Mayor was joined by Aldermen Jean-Baptiste, Fiske, Holmes, Tendam, Grover and Rainey along with business owners and neighborhood Association members. TJX Companies, Inc., owners of T.J .Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and A.J. Wright stores, recently announced that they are closing eleven…
more »
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Dec. 16, 2010 update Due to the early cold snap, residents are already taking advantage of the ice-skating rinks at Evanston parks. As weather permits this winter, skating rinks will be created at three parks: Ackerman Park, Central St. at McDaniel; Dawes Park Lagoon, Sheridan Rd. at Church St.; and Baker Park, Forest Ave. at Keeney St. . Please be aware that there are no attendants on duty to supervise rinks and shelter houses will not be open. Skating conditions vary throughout…
more »
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Special Order of Business (P4) Ordinance 77-O-10, Amending Various Portions of the Zoning Ordinance Relating to Religious Institutions in the Business, Commercial, and Downtown Zoning Districts PASSES WITH AMENDMENT 7-2 An amended ordinance was passed to change religious institutions from a permitted use to a special use in B1 and B3 zoning districts only. Administration & Public Works (A3) Approval of Utilities Commission 2010 Annual Report PASSES ON CONSENT AGENDA (A3.1) Approval of Contract Award to Gila Corporation for Collection…
more »
Modified Recycling Schedule due to New Year’s Holiday There will be no City recycling collections for residential condominiums on Friday, December 31, 2010, due to the City holiday being taken that day in observance of New Years’ Day, which falls on a Saturday. Condominium garbage collections by Lake Shore Waste Services will not be affected by the City holiday. Normal residential garbage and recycling collections will not be affected. Condominium recycling services, which would occur on Friday, will take place…
more »
Posted in Holiday tree pick-up schedule
This coming holiday season, City of Evanston crews will pick up trees beginning Dec. 27, 2010, and continue for five consecutive weeks. All trees should be placed on the parkways, as trees will not be picked up from alleys or private property. Trees will be picked up on the same day of the week as your normal refuse and recycling during the weeks of Dec. 27; Jan. 3, 10, 17 and 24. This gives residents the flexibility to take down…
more »
The holiday season is finally here and we all get wrapped up into our regular routines of shopping, decorating and spreading cheer. This time of year is also another great opportunity to make small changes that can help reduce waste, protect the environment and help save money too! Here is a list of tactics that show a commitment to the environment in our holiday celebrations. LED lights Now you can decorate your house with LED lights that use 90 percent…
more »
Fire Dept. to Donate Holiday Dinners to Family Focus The Fire Department and Members of Local 742 annually donate twenty Holiday dinners with all the trimmings to Family Focus. Local 742 and others within our department donate Christmas presents to the Salvation Army’s after school youth program, highlighted with a visit by Santa Claus to a party at Station 2 (held this past Saturday). Finally, Local 742 and other members of our department donate gifts to Family Focus highlighted with delivery of those…
more »
Monday, December 13, 2010
Award-winning playwright Gloria Bond Clunie brings her talents back to Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre this winter! Clunie's new play, Merry Kwanzza, will feature a multi-generational and multi-racial cast of Evanston residents. The play will be directed by Tim Rhoze, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s Artistic Director. Don’t miss this exciting world premiere! For more information, please call 847/448-8254. Location: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St. Day/Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 26 at 3 p.m. Admission: Free …
more »
Evanston Deputy Chief Demitrous Cook, Appointed New Chief of Police for the Village of Glenwood, Illinois. Whether it was negotiating the often tough streets of Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens public housing projects, or befriending a child in some of Evanston’s neighborhoods, Deputy Chief Demitrous Cook had the ability to reach across all sectors of society. As a youth Deputy Chief Cook was selected by the prestigious Upward Bound Program, resulting in his attending and graduating from Southern Illinois University. In January…
more »
Posted in ECMC
The Evanston Community Media Center is now streaming live all City of Evanston City Council meetings. The meeting will convene 15 minutes following conclusion of Planning & Development Committee meeting but no earlier than 7 p.m. Watch online here>>> or tune into Comcast Cable Channel 16.…
more »
Posted in cold, Winter
The City of Evanston offers a variety of services to protect the public from extreme cold temperatures. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can be dangerous to anyone, but particularly the elderly, infants and young children, persons with disabilities and people on medication. During times of extreme cold, residents are encouraged to take advantage of warming centers across the city. Those without heat may visit the following public warming centers in Evanston: • Chandler-Newberger Center at 1028 Central…
more »
Posted in Cook County
Mayor Tisdahl met Saturday morning with new Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in Evanston as part of a morning tour of the community hosted by County Commissioner Larry Suffredin. The Mayor raised several issues with Preckwinkle. First, the Mayor asked the County's assistance in the establishment of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in partnership with Erie Family Health Center. Second, the Mayor asked for the County's assistance in obtaining Federal Homeland Security funds to add additional security cameras…
more »
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Posted in City Council
All links PDF unless otherwise identified. 1. Recognition of the Evanston Police Department winning 2010 International Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award. 2. Recognition of Retirement of Deputy Police Chief Demitrous Cook. 3. Continued discussion and action of changes to zoning of Churches in business zones. 4. Annual report of the City's Utilities Commission including review of service reports from ComEd. 5. Continued discussion and action of proposed adult day care facility at 524-26 Davis. 6. Discussion at…
more »
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Due to recent concerns regarding the Waste Transfer Station located at 1711 Church Street, the City of Evanston has developed a web page as the hub for public information. At the bottom of the page you will find contacts of various state and local agencies. Please use the link here to learn more >>> …
more »
Posted in Wind
Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl is seeking volunteers to serve on a committee to review information submittals from companies interested in working with the city on an offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan. In addition to reviewing these submittals, the committee will make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on potential next steps for the project. Individuals need not have any specific experience in this area, just an interest in the subject. The committee will be selected in early February 2011…
more »
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Posted in Vehicle Stickers
The effort to provide an opportunity for residents to purchase their 2011 Evanston City Vehicle Sticker at both the Levy and Fleetwood-Jourdain centers has proved to be successful and the City of Evanston has extended the program as follows: • Levy Senior Center - 300 Dodge Ave.: December 14, 21, 28 of 2010 and January 4, 2011 9:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. • Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center - 1655 Foster St.: December 15, 22, 29 of 2010 and January 5, 2011 9:30 A.M. to…
more »
The 2010 holiday season is finally here, which presents some criminal challenges to our community. Most of you will be shopping, visiting with friends and family or even taking a vacation. Homes will be filled with gifts and goodies and, unfortunately, there are those few who capitalize on the holiday season. The Evanston Police Department Community Strategies Bureau would like to remind all citizens to take extra precaution in securing your residences during this busy season. RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY PREVENTION STRATEGIES • The…
more »
Posted in Snow
The City of Evanston reminds residents and businesses of their responsibility to remove snow and ice from walkways after a winter event. Homeowners & businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a 4" snowfall. If snow is packed and difficult to remove, please use salt or sand to make sidewalks passable. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from all hazardous conditions at all times.…
more »
Below is text of letter sent today by Mayor Tisdahl to the Chicago Tribune in response to editorial of December 3, 2010 ________________________________________ December 8, 2010 Voice of the People Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Ill. 60611 RE: Editorial – December 3, 2010 – “Your Next Debt Bomb” Dear Editor: I am writing to express my concerns about the incomplete information contained in your December 3, 2010 editorial regarding debts and liabilities held by the City of Evanston.…
more »
On 12-8-10 at approximately 1:04 a.m. Evanston Police responded to the 2000 Blk. of Church St., Evanston, Illinois, referencing a citizen report of gun shots and a man down on the ground. Once on scene, officers located the victim, who had sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. Evanston Fire Paramedics responded, treated and transported the victim to a local hospital. At 3:39 a.m., the victim succumbed to his injury and was pronounced deceased by attending physicians. Evanston Police…
more »
Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Radzevich as the City’s new Economic Development Manager. Ms. Radzevich began with the City today. Ms. Radzevich comes to Evanston from Boston where she has worked since 2007 as Vice President for Planning and Permitting for the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. MassDevelopment is the state’s finance and development authority working with private and public-sector clients to stimulate economic growth by eliminating blight, preparing key sites for development,…
more »
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Hurley as the City’s new Sustainable Programs Coordinator. Ms. Hurley started with the City today. Ms. Hurley comes to the City from MWH Americas Inc. where she has been a Supervising Project Manager and Resource Efficiency Management Group Leader since 2003. MWH is a large international water, wastewater, engineering and environmental services company. While at MWH, Catherine managed a water conservation and protection program for the DuPage…
more »
Monday, December 6, 2010
Posted in Book Sale
Named "Best Used Book Sale" by the Chicago Reader, the next BIG Evanston Public Library book sale will be held December 9th through 12th in the third floor Book Sale room. The sale preview will open at 3 pm on Thursday, December 9th with a $5 admission until 5 pm. The sale closes at 8 pm on Thursday. Sale hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm on Friday, December 10th and Saturday, December 11th. All books will be half price…
more »
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Posted in Snow
Evanston residents are reminded that snow parking regulations are in effect from December 1 to March 31, 2011. Homeowners and building landlords are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a 4"snowfall. Landlords are also responsible for clearing parking lots within 24 hours after a 4" snowfall. Snow parking regulations are in effect until the time indicated on the street signs. It is illegal to park on the street during the restricted time, even if…
more »
Friday, December 3, 2010
Posted in Crosswalks
A change in state law regarding pedestrian crossings and the City of Evanston’s efforts to address pedestrian safety with crosswalk upgrades has recently created some confusion for Evanston motorists. With the potential for snowy and icy conditions in the near future, the City of Evanston and its Department of Public Works’ Transportation and Engineering Division would like to clarify the law and the signs associated with certain crosswalks. As of July 22, 2010 state law changed regarding pedestrians in crosswalks…
more »
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Posted in Cultural Fund Grant Program Application
The 2011 Cultural Fund Grant Program guidelines and application form is now available. This grant program is administered by the Cultural Arts Division, a division of the City of Evanston's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Evanston Arts Council. Evanston not-for-profit arts organizations whose primary mission is to provide performing, visual, or literary arts programs or services may apply for a general operating support grant of up to $1,000 from the Cultural Fund Grant Program. Please note that…
more »
Freezing temperatures can burst pipes and damage property As cold temperatures approach, Evanston Fire Officials want to remind property owners to maintain minimum heat to protect automatic fire sprinkler systems from freezing and causing costly water damage. This is especially important for businesses that may temporarily close or property owners who may relocate during the winter. Commercial properties across the city, including shopping centers, hotels, condominiums and apartment buildings are typically protected by automatic fire sprinkler systems. These systems are…
more »
The City of Evanston will be holding a follow-up meeting to further discuss proposed changes in zoning for churches on Tuesday, December 7 at 2 p.m. in Room 2402 of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. …
more »
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The City of Evanston will be offering free holiday parking in the City’s three downtown self-park garages at Sherman Plaza, Maple Avenue and Church Street along with Lot 60 located at 1234 Chicago Avenue for the month of December. The free holiday parking will start November 25th and go through the first weekend in January, ending Saturday, January 1st, 2011. Hours of free parking are weekdays after 5 p.m. to midnight and all day on Saturdays. The free holiday parking is…
more »
Posted in Holiday food and toy drive; donations
Donations to the annual holiday toy and food drive sponsored by Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and local community organizations will continue to be accepted through Monday, December 20. There are now additional locations to drop off new, unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable food items. You may drop off holiday food and unwrapped toys through December 20 at these collection sites: Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Room 1100, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sat., 7:30 a. m. to 3:00 p.m. All Fire Stations, before…
more »
The main west access staircase to the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center was removed recently due to deterioration beyond repair. City staff is developing plans to rebuild this staircase and anticipates construction to begin this winter, weather permitting. Visitors and staff may continue to use the three other entry doors on the west side of the building, including one accessible entrance for persons with disabilities, as well as the two entry doors on the east side of the building. Any…
more »
