Evanston City Council Approves Apartment Complex Despite Opposition

Approval Amid Protests

A proposal for a five-story, 30-unit apartment complex at 1103-1105 Emerson Street in Evanston’s 5th Ward received conditional approval from the City Council, despite extended protests from a neighboring Black historic church. On July 13, Aldermen voted 5-1 to proceed with major zoning variations necessary for the project, which has faced repeated delays over height and density concerns from Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, located nearby.

Concerns Over Historic Integrity

For over a century, Ebenezer A.M.E. has served as Evanston’s oldest Black church. The congregation expressed worries about the potential impact of the project’s proximity on the church’s structural integrity and preserved architecture. Longtime Evanston resident Priscilla Giles argued against the project, stating it was disrespectful to place such a construction next to the historical landmark.

Ald. Bobby Burns, representing the 5th Ward, defended the development, highlighting the need for affordable housing. Three of the units will offer rents at 40% of the area’s median income, priced around $1,100 monthly for a two-bedroom unit. Burns emphasized the importance of these affordable options, responding to community needs and correcting misconceptions about any negative impact on historic structures.

Mitigation Measures and Agreements

At a June 22 meeting, a good neighbor agreement was introduced to mitigate concerns from Evanston’s Historic Preservation Commission. PM Properties, LLC, the developer, is required to collaborate with the city in finalizing exterior designs, ensure documentation of the church property’s condition, and not install loud sound systems on the rooftop deck.

The project also calls for replacing a wooden fence around the church’s parking lot, constructing a new privacy fence, and implementing noise monitoring to control sound levels from future tenants. Burns reassured the public that these terms are enforceable, with no construction or occupancy certificates granted until conditions are met.

Continued Skepticism and Approval

Church Pastor Deborah Y. Scott voiced skepticism regarding the city’s enforcement capabilities, noting her congregation’s reservations about the effectiveness of the agreement. Although Scott appreciated the focus on accountability, she mentioned a lack of guidance provided by the Council on protecting historic properties during the planning phase.

Aldermen ultimately approved the project, with Burns expressing a commitment to reliability and oversight. The council did not specify when construction might start, focusing on ensuring compliance with the good neighbor agreement. Ald. Clare Kelly, the sole dissenting vote, expressed concern over the project’s design impacting the church’s presence in the historically significant neighborhood.