Large Development Seeks Numerous Zoning Variances

A new development is being reviewed by the City of Evanston Plan Commission on Wednesday, March 14th. Trammell Crow Company seeks approval for a 17 story, 169 unit "Active Adult" age-restricted rental building at 1727 Oak Avenue. The small triangular lot is located north of the office building at 1007 Church St and shoehorned between Oak Avenue to the west and the Metra tracks to the east. The area of the lot is approximately 0.8 acres.

The development proposal greatly exceeds current zoning regulations. The required variances include, but are not limited to: a height variance of 176 feet from 85 feet allowed, number of units increased from 117 to 169, reduced number of loading docs, and reduced front yard setback.

Given the size of the project and number of zoning variances, many Evanston residents are extremely concerned that this is not the appropriate location for a development of this magnitude. Street parking along Oak is already limited and a senior living residential building with 163 units at 1815 Ridge Avenue (1/2 block north) is scheduled to begin construction shortly. Although the Oak Avenue plan includes 139 spaces for residents, that is well below the anticipated building population of over 200. Because both developments cater to adults over 55, they will provide many services (assisted living, memory care, spa, cafe, etc.) requiring non-resident employees who will also need to find parking.

Residents in the immediate vicinity of the projects are concerned about pedestrian safety with the influx of residential, public, and commercial vehicle traffic from two 160+ unit buildings within a half block of each other. Additionally, with the loss of its parking lot, the North Shore Medical Group has moved its patient parking to the garage at 1718 Oak Avenue across the street, increasing pedestrian traffic even further.

The public is highly encouraged to attend the Plan Commission meeting at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Wednesday, March 14th at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers.