Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Evanston Rezoning: Time to Get Involved! As a young woman, I lived in high-rises on State Street, Ohio Street, and Michigan Avenue in the vibrant Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods of downtown Chicago. I loved the fast-paced energy, the walkable lifestyle in my stilettos, and the excitement of city living. Later, I moved to Los Angeles—a city that was even more expensive, more congested, and much faster-paced. Both were perfect for the stage of life I was in at the time.
Eventually, I returned to Evanston. I wanted a quieter lifestyle in comfortable shoes, a sense of community, and the beauty of our lakefront. Evanston’s charm lies in its character, calmness, and balance. Many of us moved back here to raise families or retire because it felt just right—not too fast, not too slow, with no congestion and no hustle and bustle.
But Evanston is now considering rezoning the entire city to add more housing, which could drastically change its look, vibe, and cost of living. While housing is UNDOUBTEDLY NEEDED, the question remains: Will this lead to balanced, affordable housing options? Does more housing, that we really need, mean affordability? Or will developers focus on luxury units, causing rents and property values to skyrocket, potentially pricing out long-term residents?
The recent rezoning around Ryan Stadium has set the stage for broader changes. Developers are already contacting homeowners in wards like the 5th and 2nd about selling their properties to make way for multi-unit buildings. While development and growth can be exciting and needed, we must ask: Are similar calls happening to the lakefront residents? It only makes sense to build luxury high rises along our gorgeous lakefront to start. Or is the burden of transformation disproportionately falling on specific neighborhoods?
Evanston residents need to stay informed. Whether you agree or disagree with the direction rezoning might take, this is not the time to be complacent. Reach out to your alderperson. Attend committee and city council meetings. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Evanston. This is your Evanston!
#EvanstonRezoning
Evanston Rezoning: Time to Get Involved! As a young woman, I lived in high-rises on State Street, Ohio Street, and Michigan Avenue in the vibrant Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods of downtown Chicago. I loved the fast-paced energy, the walkable lifestyle in my stilettos, and the excitement of city living. Later, I moved to Los Angeles—a city that was even more expensive, more congested, and much faster-paced. Both were perfect for the stage of life I was in at the time.
Eventually, I returned to Evanston. I wanted a quieter lifestyle in comfortable shoes, a sense of community, and the beauty of our lakefront. Evanston’s charm lies in its character, calmness, and balance. Many of us moved back here to raise families or retire because it felt just right—not too fast, not too slow, with no congestion and no hustle and bustle.
But Evanston is now considering rezoning the entire city to add more housing, which could drastically change its look, vibe, and cost of living. While housing is UNDOUBTEDLY NEEDED, the question remains: Will this lead to balanced, affordable housing options? Does more housing, that we really need, mean affordability? Or will developers focus on luxury units, causing rents and property values to skyrocket, potentially pricing out long-term residents?
The recent rezoning around Ryan Stadium has set the stage for broader changes. Developers are already contacting homeowners in wards like the 5th and 2nd about selling their properties to make way for multi-unit buildings. While development and growth can be exciting and needed, we must ask: Are similar calls happening to the lakefront residents? It only makes sense to build luxury high rises along our gorgeous lakefront to start. Or is the burden of transformation disproportionately falling on specific neighborhoods?
Evanston residents need to stay informed. Whether you agree or disagree with the direction rezoning might take, this is not the time to be complacent. Reach out to your alderperson. Attend committee and city council meetings. Your voice matters in shaping the future of Evanston. This is your Evanston!
#EvanstonRezoning
