The RoundTable recently joined the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA), which includes nearly 70 outlets covering the African American, Latinx, Asian American, Polish, immigrant, LGBTQ, and other Chicago communities. We are also participating in CIMA’s annual joint fundraiser, which began this week and runs through June 11 – with foundations lined up to match at […]
Category: Business & Economy
Posted inCity News
Support Local Journalism – Become a Member of the RoundTable Today!
Why does local journalism matter? Find out from fellow Evanstonians what the RoundTable means to our community – click on the picture above to watch this short video. This week, we formally launched the Evanston RoundTable membership program. We’re off to a great start – but financial support from our community of engaged readers is critical. We […]
Posted inArt & Life
Interdependence: Restaurants, Customers and Community Rally for Each Other
Last week, the community rallied around Erica Castro and Pablo Sanchez to keep Gyros Planet & Taqueria open, raising over $60,000 in about 48 hours. When any small business closes, the loss is felt by the owners, their employees, and their customers. But Gyros Planet & Taqueria was not just any small business. Ms. Castro […]
Posted inBusiness & Economy, City News, Uncategorized
Despite Pandemic, Two Projects in Main-Chicago TIF Keep Rolling Along
Concerns that new projects could erode the economic stability of some businesses along Main Street tempered the good news that the projects are viable and in the works. News of a third project appears neutral. All three projects are located in the Chicago-Main tax-increment financing (TIF) district. 718 Main St., Vogue Fabrics Building Plans for […]
Posted inBusiness & Economy, City News, Uncategorized
West Evanston TIF Shows Progress
A partnership between Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC) and Mount Pisgah Ministry could add mixed-income residences to the long-vacant corner of Church Street and Darrow Avenue. The parcel at 1805 Church St. is the former site of a gas station, said City Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmezak, which Chevron Corporation cleaned up after the City […]
Posted inArt & Life, Business & Economy, Uncategorized
Main-Dempster Mile Hosts a Drive-Through in Train Station Alley
Hot chocolate, a selfie with Santa or a Hanukkah Bubbe, a convenient chance to contribute to a charitable cause and support local businesses – nearly a day’s worth of holiday activities will reward drivers who take a quick detour to an Evanston alley on Saturday. The business association Main-Dempster Mile is staging its MDM Holiday […]
Posted inBusiness & Economy, City News, Uncategorized
Anchor Tenant to Remain After Sale of Shopping Center
Valli Produce will remain in Evanston Plaza, the shopping center at Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue, even after the property is sold. Speaking at the Dec. 10 Joint Review Board meeting, City Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmezak said. “The Valli ownership has listed the property for sale. The entire shopping center is listed for sale […]
Posted inArt & Life, Business & Economy, Uncategorized
To Help Downtown Businesses During This Challenging Period, Take the Takeout Pledge
Evanston’s downtown businesses are contending with more than a few challenges right now, said Annie Coakley, Executive Director of Downtown Evanston, in a report at the First Ward community meeting on Dec. 1. The nonprofit organization provides marketing and management services to businesses in downtown’s Special Service District. Online behemoths like Amazon and big box retail […]
Posted inCity News
Fifth Ward TIF District Discussion Tonight
Tonight the City’s Economic Development Committee will discuss whether to proceed with a feasibility study of creating a tax-increment financing (TIF) district in the Fifth Ward. In a TIF district the tax increment – the difference in property tax revenues between the property as it went into the TIF and as it is improved – […]
Posted inCity News
Reparations Subcommittee Hears Plans for a New School in Fifth Ward, and Proposal to Expand Concept of ‘Public Benefits’ Under Zoning Code
At its meeting on Oct. 23, the Reparations Subcommittee listened to a presentation by an Education Reparations Subcommittee to establish a STEM school in the Fifth Ward.