We should try a civil open and honest debate, how come it is so difficult?

Bill Smith posted what can only be described as a mean spirited, offensive point of view on his website in response to what Jeff Smith posted this past week on density. My response below was posted on his site this morning.

I have a bigger problem though; how do we go about having truly productive and meaningful debate about hard issues in Evanston?

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A Tree Falls in Evanston

Historic White Oak Felled

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Cross-section of a massive, majestic white oak, 4 feet in diameter, that stood on what is now 2728 Harrison Street for 275 years or more before being cut down on June 2-3, 2008. Click here for story.

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Central Street Metra Station

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A southbound Union Pacific Railroad "Metra" 4:57 train rolls into the popular Central Street station in north Evanston.Click here for more info on public transportation to and from the Central Street neighborhood.

Buyers' Market for Condos near Central & Green Bay?

The slowed and nervous economy, real estate market downturn, credit crunch, and general area overbuilding have resulted in a considerable inventory of condominiums near Central & Green Bay in Evanston, despite the advantages of the location and the attractiveness of the units being marketed. This sunny weekend afforded a chance to take a look at the progress of some of the offerings.

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Balcony view at Prairie Central #201

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View from second-floor balcony at the new Prairie Central luxury condo development.

Prairie Central condo development

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New landscaping and awnings at the Prairie Central condo development, just in time for the May 31 grand opening.

Trains, Condos, and Automobiles

My mini-tour of some of the local condo offerings led to some larger mullings. Altogether, the 4 developments I covered, representing nearly 100 new condos within a 9-iron shot of the Central Street Metra station, raise interesting questions. No doubt all will eventually sell; but at what price? One wonders if the demand for "transit-oriented" luxury condos here hasn’t been overestimated.

Top Of The Tracks Turns Twenty

Dozens of well-wishers gathered Fri., May 30, to help owner Mary Lou Smith celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Top of the Tracks coffeeshop at the Central Street Metra station. For a generation, Mary Lou's coffee, Danish, and good cheer have warmed the hearts and stomachs of morning commuters. Mary Lou, a longtime leader among Central Street merchants, currently serves on the board of the Central Street Neighbors Association.

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Daley as Graduation Speaker Roils NU

Northwestern University President Henry Bienen's announcement that the 2008 commencement speaker will be Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley has prompted a lot of discussion among NU seniors and other students, much of it negative or disappointed. As of this morning there were nearly 300 posts on the Daily Northwestern's website, eclipsing by far any other story.

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