… that the Postal Service will again be leasing parking space for its vehicles in the Maple Avenue garage. Through Oct. 31, 2025, the U.S.P.S. will pay the City $110,000 per year for the lease of 54 spaces.
… that, speaking of parking, the free parking on Greenwood between Chicago and Sherman that became four-hour metered parking is now free again – for two hours for those without a Residential Parking Permit B or C or unlimited for those with that type of permit. It seems that the Parking Powers at the City thought the free parking spaces were being used by commuters, so they thought the City should get some money for use of the spaces. Now, though, with most people working from home, the spots have been relatively deserted and the City is reconverting the space.
… that the COVID-19 pandemic brought streets alive this summer like never before/ Evanston’s streets have filled with much more than driving and parking. Music-lovers spread onto parkways and into streets to enjoy front-lawn concerts. And on the more serious side, protesters marched for social justice and against police brutality. Black Evanston Men led peaceful walks in the Fifth Ward.
… that the City is paying nearly $37,000 for repairs to Pierce Arrow Fire Truck #313. The City (that is, taxpayers) will also shell out about the same amount for leaf-hauling and disposal. Residents will be aware, some not too happily, that the City will not haul away residents’ leaves, even when they have fallen from parkway trees.
… that a new mural could be coming soon to the Washington Street/Chicago Avenue/CTA Purple Line embankment and underpass. The Main-Dempster Mile energizes every corner of its district.
… that a couple of bike events are coming up this month. Ride Illinois’ 2020 Illinois Bike Summit will take place online on Sept. 15. Bicycle advocates, planners, civil engineers, elected officials and others from around the state will join from the comfort of home or office for a day of learning about bicycling issues. Participants can expect to hear about such topics as bikeway types, bike share programs, advocacy and community engagement.
… that, a few days afterward and right here in Evanston, the annual Bike the Ridge will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 – two days before the summer season ends with the autumnal equinox.
… that the City has begun to shore up the shoreline in anticipation of the waves and currents of Lake Michigan. Earlier this week, the waves were hitting pretty high and strong.
… that these geese huddled together in the middle of the canal early morning hours.
The Traffic Guy thinks …
… that two somber milestones coincide tomorrow: the 19th anniversary of the 9/11/ terrorist attacks and the six-month mark of the World Health Organization’s declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic. A 9/11 memorial service will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2020, at Firemen’s Park, Simpson Street at Maple Avenue. Masks are mandatory, and, because of social distancing requirement, space will be limited.