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Both by nature and training I tend to look at multiple sides of issues. So, both to try and see if lemonade is extractable from the sour taste of the last Tower vote, and to try and extend some credit to Council members, I stepped back and looked at the punt to the Plan Commission in another light. One way to view it is that residents got, in part, what they asked for.

Children have been ardent advocates of the branch library system. They are welcome to attend the 7th ward meeting on April 24 from 7-9 pm at the Civic Center. Discussion of the library should be finished by 8. I hope everyone will come, be proactive and convince the new Director of Library Services that the North Branch Library is important to all of us.

If we know what the new proposal for 708 Church is, I hope to hear what you think of it. That discussion and an update from EPD comprise the rest of the agenda.

Elizabeth Tisdahl

I'm in the "Serve Evanston, Build Something Great at Fountain Square, Just Not so Tall" group. I suspect there are more of us out there who are well-informed and interested and don't consider ourselves in opposition to the development proposal for 708 Church. There's just no yard sign slogan that expresses positive ambivalence about it.

No one can argue with the fact that downtown Evanston now is more vibrant than that of 20 or 30 years ago. Or, at least, I certainly won't. I remember all too well when the food options consisted of The Gold Coin v. Jim's Char-Broil, and the sidewalks rolled up at 5:00. I enjoy having the movie theaters, the coffeeshops, the two large bookstores (and the fact that Bookman's Alley survives), a variety of dining choices.

But I'm sick of hearing the sounds of that dead horse being beaten.

The following was originally prepared for presentation to the Planning & Development Committee on Mon., Mar. 17, with respect to the proposed 49-story tower at 708 Church St. (click pic at right to see larger image), which most agree would be the biggest potential change to our downtown in years.