1970 Letters

Transcriptions & scans of 1970 letters to Mr. Dutton [secretary], Mr. Scane and members of the Evanston Zoning Board of Appeals, 18-70-A & 12-71-A.

RE: Northwestern University application for "A variation from the use regulations of the zoning ordinance to permit use of the athletic stadium (Dyche Stadium) for commercial purposes on property located in the U-2 University District".

March 20, 1970 Z.B.A. 12-71-A

Dear Mr. Scane,

Because we are concerned neighbors of Dyche’s Stadium property I am writing to urge you as chairman to use your every influence to put down now any attempt to rezone the property for commercial use. As neighbors and homeowners of Dyche’s Stadium (4 blocks west) we have had demonstrated what could happen in our area should a zoning change take effect. We have heard a constant roar of helicopters and airplanes during the past game, we have heard the loud noises of loud speakers from the stadium, we have had the problems of simply driving and parking in Evanston in general on the day of the last game.

As a concerned resident of Evanston we can only look forward to more problems should rezoning be granted such as sale of beer and liquor-crime-accidents and more expense for the taxpayers of Evanston.

Respectfully yours, Robert Riehm

June 12, 1970

Re: Case #18-70-A (NU Appeal for Change of U2 Zoning for Dyche Stadium)

Gentlemen:

The writer is

(a) an Evanston property owner (rental apartments within one block of Dyche Stadium.)
(b) an Evanston business man (president of Alllcities Allstates Flowers-by-Tele-Phone, Inc. with national office two blocks from Dyche).
(c) a Wilmette resident and homeowner living just two blocks from the stadium).

I would present my request in person at the hearing but for my absence from the city, so this letter is to request that you deny the above captioned appeal because the proposed commercial use of Dyche Stadium will:

(1) attract to our neighborhood a substantial number of undesirable persons who are certain to increase

(A) Vandalism

(B) Burglaries

(D) Noise.

(2) create new auto traffic that will

(A) congest our streets and at times actually deprive us of their use;

(B) increase air pollution;

A much longer detailed indictment could be drawn, including the charge that the requested use will depreciate our property values. However, monetary concerns should be secondary to human rights, so let it suffice that in this day of your expressed concern for environmental control, it would be a sad action for you to permit the proposed abuse of our living area.

Because the welfare of all residents is your paramount responsibility, I request that you stand with decency against the greed that gives rise to the Northwestern appeal.

With kindest regards,

Sincerely, Thomas J. O'Brien 418 Gregory Wilmette

June 12, 1970

ATTN: Mr. Buell Dutton

Dear Mr. Dutton:

The purpose of this letter is to inform the Zoning Board of Appeals of my opposition to the application by Northwestern University for a variation from the use regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit the use of Dyche Stadium for commercial purposes.

My home is located at the corners of Colfax and Ashland -- a distance of two blocks from Dyche Stadium. I bought it with the knowledge that collegiate football games were played there in the fall. When such games are held, I expect (1) to be unable to approach my home by car except by circuitous routes (and then only after explaining to traffic officers that I and my family want to get to our home and to Milwaukee, Wisconsin); (2) to see and hear from my living room lines of cars circling the blocks looking for nonexistent parking places; and (3) to have noisy groups of pedestrians walking across lawns and streets(and to have to pick up their litter afterwards).

However, I did not expect when I bought my home that I would be within two blocks of a commercial stadium and have to endure even "Occasionally" the additional and unquestionably greater annoyance that the existence of such an operation would inflict on my neighborhood and the whole of the city.

Granting of this appeal will result in more cars, more noise, more people and more litter. This amounts to a further depreciation of our municipal environment. I urge you to deny Northwestern's application.

Very truly yours,

Donald H. Weeks 2342 Ashland

June 12, 1970

[To] Zoning Board of Appeals Stamped: June 1970 Received Housing Div.

Gentlemen:

We the undersigned residents of North Evanston, Illinois are opposed to the contemplated variation from the use regulations of the zoning ordinance to permit the use of the athletic stadium (Dyche Stadium) for commercial purposes on property located in the U-2 University District.

Such commercial usage could be expected to increase beyond infrequent occasions, would increase traffic hazards on our streets, and bring air, noise, and litter pollution to the area that is principally residential. It would destroy Sunday as a time or relaxation and family activities (such as yard parties, cook-outs, games, cycling, etc.).

Such a variation will also increase the expense of public services (police, fire, sanitation, street repair, etc.) to benefit principally tax-free Northwestern University.

The increased congestion on our streets will tend to decrease property values in the residential areas, and can be expected to result in additional variations for food stands and other service-type businesses.

It is our petition that the above-referenced variation be denied.

Clarence and Roberta Waterbury, 1624 Chancellor

Dorothy Reading , Mr. and Mrs. Reading, 2635 Eastwood

John and La Vern La Pota, 1711 Chancellor

Eileen Brady, 1621 Chancellor

June 14, 1970

Gentlemen:

We, as taxpayers, are very much opposed to any change in zoning which would permit Northwestern University to rent the Stadium for professional football or any other commercial activity.

Some of our good citizens have done all in their power to keep Evanston a city of homes, and finer apartment dwellings, and have made every possible effort to build up downtown Evanston for the use of all Evanstonians. People move to Evanston to get away from surroundings like Cubs Park; if Northwestern is allowed to rent out the stadium for football and other commercial use, property values are bound to go down. imagine this very Sunday afternoon with cars milling around, trying to find parking places, the added noise, pollution if you will, and general nuisance of the whole thing is unthinkable.' We live near the Stadium and are violently opposed to having the peace and quiet of our Sunday disturbed - one Sunday - two- or any!

Furthermore, we're tired of this proposition being brought up time after time. We don't want it now nor five years from now...not ever. Let's make it final this time.

Northwestern is a wealthy university. If they are having a lean year they're no different than lots of people or organizations except that they own property which can be sold while others are not always so fortunate.

Evenings and Sundays are all most of us have to enjoy and we don't want to give up the little peace, quiet and cleanliness we do have.

Yours very truly, Irvan L. Picket Gertrude M. Picket 1702 Livingston Street

June 15, 1970

In re: Dyche Stadium

Gentlemen :

The undersigned and owner of property in the neighborhood of Dyche Stadium hereby protests and objects to the application of Northwestern University to change the zoning of Dyche Stadium so as to permit a commercial venture therein.

Such a use would destroy a very fine neighborhood.

Yours truly, James D. Murphy Owner of 2727 Broadway

June 15, 1970

Dear Mr. Dutton:

My wife and I would like to submit our protest against a change in regulations permitting commercial use of Dyche Stadium in Evanston.

As residents who live directly across from the stadium, we keenly feel the results of any action to permit commercial use of the stadium would be detrimental to our family individually and to Evanston citizens generally.

Several points stand out in our thinking as weighing heavily against the proposed change. First, use of the stadium on 5 or 6 Sundays would further limit the chance my wife and I and our baby daughter have to freely use the sidewalks, streets and parks in our neighborhood because of the traffic congestion from football crowds. We hope you would agree that weekends are important in the life of a young family and would also resent the intrusion forecast by professional football crowds.

A second point in our thinking is that Evanston has been generally known as a quiet, residential community. Most citizens take pride in the University and other cultural aspects of the area. What are we to do, however, when there is increasing evidence of pollution of the lake, traffic congestion which pollutes with noise and noxious gases, and other trends which destroy the natural advantages of our community. We, as one concerned Evanston family, do not feel we would like Evanston to become known as a center for professional sports with all of the added congestion that would bring.

We trust the Zoning board will have the good sense to rule against the proposed change in regulations governing use of Dyche Stadium,.

Yours very truly,

Robert T. & Sherri A. Lewis 1514 Central St.

June 15, 1970 18-70-A

Greetings:

SuEllen Corporation protests and recommends denial of this appeal for a variation from the use regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit use of Dyche Stadium for commercial purposes on property located in the U-2 University District, on these grounds:

1. Governing our choice of site for our residential building at 1500-1510 Central Street was our faith in the continued University District zoning of the Stadium property.

We relied on the stated zoning when we bought the property in 1958 and complied with all the zoning and building codes, though we would have been happy to have had some relief from certain of them.

2. The desirability of the building as a residential property is endangered by the present appeal and should it be allowed, would in all probability force us to reduce our rents. We are now assessed at a level with takes 25% of the gross income. This is a serious matter because the investment was intended to provide the owner's with retirement income.

We know the university's appeal is a real threat because several tenants have refused to lease without assurance that the present Zoning Regulations would continue.

3. The Su Ellen Building is the first electrically building in Evanston. It has attracted wide notice over the country and of itself does not contribute to air and dust pollution, a factor which has drawn unsolicited comment from its tenants, as well as being copied by other builders since its completion in 1959.

4. In paragraph C of the university's appeal, the claim is made that occasional commercial use will impose no greater burden on the neighborhood than present uses permitted within this zone, that is, the location of the Stadium.

A less candid statement would be difficult to fashion

5. The University seeks only not only a variation to permit commercial usage but uses language to give it the power to set the day, time, nature and character of the commercial usage as it may fit the whim and financial advantage of the university without regard to the welfare and customs of the surrounding area. Neither does the University offer to indemnify the City or the property owners for damage and costs that may arise from the change to unspecified commercial use and the actions of patrons of such commercial enterprise.

6. It is common knowledge that the appeal contemplates rental of the Stadium for professional football games to be staged on Sunday afternoons -- a traditional day of rest apart from any religious affiliation, far from imposing no added burden on the neighborhood, the probable effect will be to increase the burden upon the neighborhood.

Intercollegiate football attendance at Dyche Stadium has ranged from 33,000 to 40,000 persons. Since Wrigley Field has a capacity of 45,000 and the Chicago bear games are usually a sell-out, it is reasonable to suppose that attendance possible at Dyche stadium can furnish an additional $100,000 of admissions revenue and a crowd of 15,000 to 22,000 greater than Northwestern's usual attendance. Furthermore the potential attendance of 55,000 means at least 17,0000 automobiles converging on Evanston with disruptions of traffic over a minimum of twelve square miles or more. And all of this is to take place on a Sunday afternoon regardless of the preferences and lawful rights of residents aggravated by air and noise pollution, mountains of litter and risks of vandalism. Even with residents staying home to protect their property I wonder where all those cars will be parked.

Respectfully yours, Malcolm F. Hill - President [Su Ellen Corporation] 1106 Colfax St.

June 15, 1970

[To] Mr Buell Dutton, Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

1501 Oak Street, Evanston, Illinois

Dear Mr. Dutton:

I want to express my objection in writing to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the proposed application of Northwestern University to use Dyche Stadium for commercial purposes of any type.

We live approximately a mile from the stadium and have experienced on those occasions when Northwestern's football games have drawn a capacity, or near-capacity house the problems that we will face under like situations if their appeal to use the stadium for commercial purposes is granted.

...Within two hours of the starting time of the game our streets (not sufficiently wide for parking on both sides and safe travel through the middle) will start to fill up. Fenders will be scraped on cars trying to go both ways between the parked cars. We will have to forbid our children to be near the streets because small children could be seriously injured or killed if they try to cross the streets where the drivers have little or no chance to see them start across.

...Our extensions and front yards will be used for picnic lunches whether we complain or not. It will not be unusual for people to leave papers and even cans and bottles behind when they leave for the game.

...At the end of the game there is a concerted rush of people trying to get to their cars and out of the area.

As tax payers, we certainly object to the inconvenience, irritations and dangers that we will experience if Northwestern is granted their appeal. We strongly object to any such change.

Very truly yours,

Wiliam W. Lewis 2705 Hartzell Street

June 16, 1970

Dear Mr. Dutton:

We would like to register our concern about Northwestern University application for "A variation from the use regulations of the zoning ordinance to permit use of the athletic stadium (Dyche Stadium) for commercial purposes on property located in the U-2 University District".

As home owners at 2500 Jackson Avenue, we live only one-half block from Dyche Stadium. Given the broad language of the N.U. application, i.e. "for commercial purposes", we see this as a clear potential for extensive and continuous use of the stadium.

Our neighborhood has maintained a totally residential character, in spite of its proximity to Central Street, and in spite of the regular use for college football games, basketball games, Fourth of July performances, and circuses. But if the stadium becomes used regularly for commercial purposes, attracting large crowds on Sundays, and possibly other days or nights of the week, this presents a threat to the life of our neighborhood.

The stadium auto and pedestrian traffic dominates the streets and sidewalks, limits access to and from our own home, curtails the freedom of our children to play in the area , generates a commercial atmosphere, and introduces unsightly litter on our property, sidewalks and streets.

Our neighborhood has been able to sustain these inroads to our tranquility given their relatively limited stadium programs scheduled thus far. However, increase in such activity would surely corrode the quality of our neighborhood life and atmosphere.

We don't feel that the monetary gains Northwestern university is seeking for itself justifies the invasions of our priorities and privacies as citizens. We therefore urge the Zoning Board to protect our home and neighborhood by rejecting the Northwestern University application.

Sincerely, Valerie S. Kovitz Arthur A. Kovitz

June 16, 1970

[To] Secretary Zoning Board of Appeals

Dear Sir:

As a taxpayer, I wish to protest a zoning change which would permit leasing Dyche Stadium for professional football games or other commercial use.

We have had enough broken windows, to say nothing of a murder recently by non residents of our "fair" city. Why should we encourage over fifty thousand people at a time to enter our city, taxing our already over-taxed police and fire departments further?

Our Sundays and evenings should be peaceful, quiet and undisturbed.

We want to keep them that way.

Let's forget the zoning change once and for all!

Sincerely, N.[Norm] D. Kimball President [of Downs & Co.]

June 16, 1970 Stamped: Housing..., June 1970

Subject: Dyche Stadium

Gentlemen:

I understand that Northwestern University has applied for rezoning pf the Stadium to permit the Chicago Bears Football Team to play their "At Home" Schedule of games in Dyche Stadium.

This letter is to advise you that I, along with many of my Evanston friends, strenuously oppose such rezoning and we are hopeful that you will give this issue your most serious consideration and turn down the request to rezone this property.

The influx of approximately 55,000 people throughout the football season will hamper traffic and increase the accident rate. It will also the cost to the city of Evanston facilities -- strictly for the benefit of the University. parking facilities are entirely inadequate and, consequently, will seriously inconvenience Evanston residents with a shortage of parking areas within a large radius of the Stadium.

If you are a Chicago Bears' fan and attend their games, you cannot help but detect the abuse of drinking and the resulting intoxicated people leaving the Stadium and driving their cars.

The Stadium itself may not be self-supporting but it is known that Northwestern University is one of the richest endowed universities in the country, and of course we all know their tuition is among the highest.

A few years ago, perhaps in the interest of public relations, Northwestern permitted neighbors to park on their Central Street property without charge. This has been changed and the University now charges the neighbors for parking on their property when there are no events at the Stadium -- and they are probably doing this without paying the city for a parking permit. At any rate, Evanston police records will show there have been several accidents involving parked cars being hit because they were parked in the street in order that Northwestern University can get their revenue from a few neighbors.

Although the University does a reasonably good job in cleaning up the area after an event, it is not entirely clean and they do not repair lawns and bushes damaged by their patrons.

Again I urge you to turn down this request to rezone this property.

Yours very truly, F. J. Geisler

June 16, 1970

Gentlemen:

As an interested (tax-paying) property owner, I am writing to voice my opposition to Northwestern University's appeal for:

"A variation from the use regulations of the zoning ordinance to permit use of the athletic stadium (Dyche Stadium) for commercial purposes on property located in the U-2 University District."

As an alumnus of both the undergraduate and graduate schools of business at Northwestern, I can sympathize with the University's financial problems, especially in regard to their Athletic Department. However, I am not in sympathy with their proposed solution for several reasons:

This zoning change opens the door for permanent use of Dyche Stadium for all Bears home mes. I have heard from reliable sources that the Chicago bears' organization and Northwestern University have already discussed this possibility; perhaps the University can put this rumor to rest by categorically denying it.
Furthermore, such a zoning change might provide justification for a subsequent change to permit use of McGaw Hall by the Chicago Bulls. Also the use of other facilities by other promoters, will be the nest step. These actions will benefit the promoters and Northwestern at the expense of Evanston taxpayers.
Such used of Northwestern's facilities will ruin the peaceful atmosphere that currently exists on Sunday afternoons (as anyone who has ever attended a Bear game can verify). This was a dominant reason for my buying a home in North Evanston; i feel it is unfair to now change the zoning regulations unless adequate compensation is provided top the Evanston taxpayers for:

(a) Financing the cost of additional police and fire protection
(b) Enduring the additional noise, traffic, pollution and rowdyism associated with Bear games.
(c) Decreasing property values resulting from neighboring commercial activities.

I propose that the appeal be considered, provided:

Northwestern University gives up its present tax-exempt status, or
The Chicago Bears (and any other promoters) and Northwestern University agree to pay to the City the difference in revenue generated by the use of Dyche Stadium instead of Wrigley Field. Under the present proposal, Northwestern will receive a rental that will basically be all profit to them since the facilities need little, if any modification for use by the Bears. Also, the Bears benefit by increasing their attendance by 10,000 per game (or more, if seating is installed at the north end of the stadium) at approximately $6.00 per seat for seven or eight home games - about $400,000.00 to $500,000.00 per year, and the City and its taxpayers would suffer and "pay the freight".

In effect what Northwestern is saying is that they now find the current use of Dyche Stadium to be uneconomical, and they feel the rental potential provides a convenient solution to their problem. I suggest that their financial difficulties are the result of inflation, and their inability to field a first rate competitive football team. Neither of these causes are attributable to the residents of the neighborhood or the residents of Evanston in general; hence, I see no reason why these people should be burdened with he above mentioned costs (both financial and environmental). Furthermore, I resent Northwestern seeking a convenient solution at the expense of Evanston residents when they were not the least bit concerned about the convenience of Evanston residents when the Sheridan Road blockade was erected, and damage was inflicted on City and private property by Northwestern students.

I believe it is time Northwestern University became a good corporate citizen - even though a tax exempt one - and began to think of its neighbors instead of how to solve the University's problems.

Very truly yours, Edward G. Cottrell 2529 Ashland Avenue

Below are two letters in support of William Strasser's opposition to NU's proposal. Spotlight is missing the first page of Mr. Harrison's letter.

June 16, 1970

[To] William Strasser p.2

" Finally, it is perhaps not too much of a daydream to hope that with such increase in revenue from the stadium, the athletic department might have more funds for scholarships for needy athletes, so that they can be attracted to the University. It might just be possible that our college town" could make a little better showing in the Big Ten.

Sincerely yours,

Stanley L. Harrison, M.D.

The following letter is from a Chicago legal firm in response to William Strasser.

June 16, 1970

cc: President, Northwestern University Harold Smith, John Mitchell City of Evanston Zoning Board of Appeals

To William Strasser 2677 N. Sheridan Rd.

Dear Mr. Strasser:

I certainly approve of your work in opposing the University's use of the Stadium for outside commercial uses. It would be thoughtless for the University to do so and certainly contrary to the best interests of the City and the School.
Enclosed is my check for $50.00 to help pay the cost you have undertaken. If necessary, I might make an additional contribution for legal fees.

If the School is that selfish, then I think it is time to take another look at their tax-exempt status even to the point of having the Courts review that exemption once again.

In addition, if the School does not pay a fair share for police, fire and sanitary services, then the City should certainly withhold that service from the University. I do not know how they conduct themselves now, but an exemption in an 1850 Charter certainly does not include these municipal services.

I am writing the City of Evanston that it is common knowledge that the City is becoming seedier; that its system of schools is not accepted by a number of people. Young people more and more are protesting with their feet by moving away from Evanston or not moving into Evanston. They are settling around the city like Wilmette, etc. which have better school systems and are not deteriorating.

Don't make things worse. They are bad enough without your doing so.

I sincerely appreciate your public spirit.

Respectfully Meyer Field Law Offices Field, Daniels and Bilton , 188 W. Randolph Street, Chicago

June 17, 1970

Dear Mr. Dutton:

This is to express my opposition to Northwestern using Dyche Stadium for commercial purposes.

I cannot understand why there should be a change in the zoning ordinance for Northwestern more than any other organization or individual in the city.

I believed a city was controlled and operated by the laws and ordinance set forth by the city officials (elected by the taxpayers) to run the city with the interest of the residents.

Evanston taxpayers pay high taxes to live in a community that isn't commercially oriented. Let's put the interest of the people who pay the bills before the University.

Sincerely, Fred C. Stokes

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