A disagreement about an agreement delayed the expected vote on the proposed Fifth Ward tax-increment financing, or TIF, district at the Sept. 27 meeting of the Evanston City Council. The […]
Author Archives: Mary Gavin
Mary Gavin is the founder of the Evanston RoundTable. After 23 years as its publisher and manager, she helped transition the RoundTable to nonprofit status in 2021. She continues to write, edit, mentor and serve on the Advisory Committee.
Posted inCity News
TIF foes make final arguments against proposed Fifth Ward district
With just days to go before the City Council will likely vote on the proposed tax-increment financing district, a group of residents who have long opposed the TIF is intensifying […]
Posted inCity News
Council appoints Gandurski interim City Manager
With a 7-1 vote, City Council members on Sept. 20 appointed Kelley Gandurski interim City Manager. She will take office Oct. 9 and remain there until a permanent City Manager […]
Posted inCity News
Distrust and documentation at the final TIF meeting before Council considers the proposal
One group came with documentation, one with determination. When the meeting at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center ended two hours later – at about 9 p.m. on Sept. 9 – it appeared […]
Posted inCity News
Speakers question values, impact of proposed Five-Fifths TIF
“What I see happening with the TIF is that it’s going to kind of seal the deal, and really prepare the area for the new inheritors.”
Posted inSchools
ETHS plans to reopen as a ‘humanizing’ space
Earlier this summer, three Evanston Township High School administrators presented their vision of a newly reopened school that would make students feel welcomed and supported. Assistant Superintendent/Principal Marcus Campbell, Associate […]
Posted inCity News
Concerns About Gentrification, Suitability, and the Civic Center Permeate Public Hearing on Proposed TIF
“This [TIF], in my opinion, is the method for removing the Black community at all costs. … It should not be supported by any member of the City Council.” — Bennett Johnson
Posted inArt & Life
Marking a Year Without an Outbreak
July 6 was the one-year anniversary of the reopening of Learning Bridge Early Education Center. The preschool, like all Illinois schools, had closed in March by order of Governor J.B. […]
Posted inCity News
Police Department Announces Two Promotions
Interim Police Chief Aretha Barnes on June 29 promoted two Evanston Police Officers to the rank of sergeant. In Council Chambers of the Civic Center, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza administered […]
Posted inArt & Life
‘Up From Down Home’: A Family’s Flight to Safety
An edgy confrontation with white co-workers on the way home from his job at a lumber mill in Greenville, Ala., made James “Pop” Simmons wary. A menacing night visit by […]