URGENT! The public has not called for the elimination of R1 zoning. Why are some elected officials doing just that and pushing zoning and comprehensive plan updates before the public process is completed? What is the rush? These changes impact everyone—renters, homeowners, landlords, developers—and the public needs to discuss the pros, cons, and unintended consequences. Who is behind this rush? It is up to us to slow it down.
Let your friends and neighbors know that while we are supposed to be in the middle of a public process and discussion to update the zoning code and comprehensive plan, in July 2024, Mayor Biss, Eleanor Revelle, Jonathan Nieuwsma, and Devon Reed submitted a referral to the council for the elimination of all R1 zoning, reduced lot sizes, and the elimination of parking requirements. Meanwhile, the draft plan was not finalized, and the public is not yet up to speed on what the out-of-state consultants have proposed.
Thank you to those who are writing letters and submitting comments to the roundtable. You can speak at council meetings and write to the Mayor and your council members.
Here is a link to one of the letters I have seen. Please share your thoughts:
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/11/13/letter-to-the-editor-city-should-keep-single-family-zoning/
jeffpsmith
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:21
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Not just R1 -- most residential districts under attack
Mary, the draft rezoning does not just eliminate the point of R1, it eliminates reference to "family" throughout the entire rewrite of zoning districts. Every R1, R2, or R3 lot could have a "structure" limited only by lot size. Some setbacks are reduced, and, quite sneakily, the 35'-or-2.5 stories-whichever-is-less is eliminated in favor of "three stories." Since developers build to the maximum building envelope (and then often ask for variance for more), but are limited in attempt to add a "stealth" third story, this is a dramatic change. The rezoning would eliminate certainty as to what can be built next door for almost every single-family house owner (and many smaller 2-flat and 3-flat owners, too) in Evanston. It should correctly be understood as hostile to homeowners.