CSNA News Releases on Chandler and the Golf Course

The resolution reads:

The Board of Directors of Central Street Neighbors urges full transparency, disclosure, and public involvement in all matters relating to the use or future use of the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course Property.

Background:

Formed in 1919, the Evanston-Wilmette Golf Course Association subleases land from Evanston and Wilmette to provide a golf course.  The two cities have master leases from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District which owns the land.  Despite many overlapping levels of responsibility, the course has been a prime asset to the City since its formation. However, given a perfect storm of bad weather, a poor economy, and a decline in interest in golf, the Association has run deficits for a number of years and is now unable to pay its water bills to Evanston and Wilmette. Recently, without much notice to the community, the City of Evanston enacted an ordinance to authorize a study of the issues facing the golf course that will also explore alternative uses of the course; the ordinance also provides for a moratorium on collecting the water bill for this year.

In announcing the CSNA President David K. Staub said, “While there certainly needs to be a long term solution to the economic issues facing the golf course, our Board feels strongly that the City needs to seek and listen to input from both the volunteers who have maintained and operated the course as well as the Evanston community.  We believe that the golf course serves a vital role in providing open space to residents of the city at little or no cost to the city and that any proposals relating to the course need to be communicated to all the constituents affected by any changes.”
For more information on this issue, visit the web site for links and background.
 
STATEMENT OF DAVID K. STAUB, PRESIDENT, CENTRAL STREET NEIGHBORS REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE CHANDLER-NEWBERGER CENTER
Evanston, June 17 – CSNA President David K. Staub announced that the Board of Directors of Central Street Neighbors adopted the following resolution at its meeting on June 14.

The resolution reads:

CSNA opposes privatization of the Chandler- Newberger Center and supports maintaining it as a community center for the people of Evanston.

Background:

Speaking for the Board, Staub said the organization appreciates that the City is in a budget crunch and must make difficult choices.  “However, many in our community are concerned that the city manager has gone on record saying that the center ‘has the least connected mission’ in serving the entire city,” he said.  "We feel that is negated by the facts that have emerged since then that indicate the Center is well used by the entire City, not just the 7th Ward, and that its programs generate significant revenues to offset expenses.”

Board members expressed interest in working with all parties to find solutions and are confident in light of community interest in the Center, and strong support for its programs, that there will be no change in the mission of the Center. The Board expects that it will receive adequate funding in the next budget year to continue to operate and be a positive asset in our community.  Staub added, “We are gratified to know that Alderman Jane Grover is supporting the Center and that Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl has indicated her intent to veto any action to sell or close the facility. Our Board believes it is important to send a strong message to the Evanston community and the City Council that the Chandler-Newberger Center fills an important need.  We are confident that the City will look at ways to enhance its role in coming years – not jettisoning the facility due to a financial shortfall – and continue to provide an invaluable recreational service.”

For more information on this issue, visit the CSNA web site for links and background.
 
Central Street Neighbors Association was formed in 2006 to promote and preserve the vitality and quality of life of the Central Street Neighborhood in Evanston. Its purpose is to promote the social welfare of the area and help it thrive as a part of the larger community. CSNA promotes a close community of neighbors to preserve the unique character of Central Street and support projects and programs that will continue to make Central Street a welcoming, sustainable and vibrant home for residents and businesses. CSNA is a key source of information and data about the neighborhood to help the public and policymakers.