1996 affidavits from businesses opposed to NU proposed prof-tennis at McGaw Hall

Some of these businesses also wrote their opposing opinion on notarized affidavit forms. To avoid revealing the actual signatures we transcribed the affidavits.

The first two affidavits reveal the problems with Jonathan Perman's testimony during the City Committee meetings in 1996, when he falsely claimed that Thomas Kolp was supporting the Tennis Tournament and that most Central Street businesses were also supporters of the proposed event.

4/15/1996

Thomas Kolp, owner of Great harvest Bread Company, 2126 Central Street

Johnny [Jonathan Perman, head of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce]:

I didn't side with you on the Welsh Ryan Arena Tennis Tournament....

I told you I wanted to remain Neutral on the issue, and did sign the petition last month.

I'm not crazy about you using my name as a member of the tennis tourney bandwagon.

4/16/1996

Jill Negronida Hampton, owner of Ethnically Speaking, 2601 Prairie Avenue

We moved the store to the Central St. Business District close to 2 years ago but I've been an area resident for most of my child/adult life.

Northwestern Football Saturdays KILL our Saturday business so naturally I'm opposed to any additional sporting events.

At the moment my greatest concern is over the fact that the Chamber of Commerce here in Evanston is acting as an agent for the Business owners of Central St. Not many of us are members of the Chamber for reasons I'll not take the time to go into.

Jonathan Perlman [Perman] did approach many of us & is in full knowledge of the fact that most of us are not in support of the tennis tournament. His implying otherwise backs our feelings of distrust & lack of faith in the Chamber.

The Chamber nor Jonathan Perlman [Perman] has the position of "Voice" for the Central St. Business Association or any of us who have not given him that right.

4/16/1996

Christopher Radke, owner of the Dancing Bear, Central Street

I am not in favor of the proposed U2 zoning Amendment change allowing for one professional tennis event per year to be held at Welsh Ryan Arena. It is my opinion that even one event, a week in duration, will negatively impact my business. I rely strongly on the local and neighborhood community who regularly avoid the Central Street area when any event, from amateur athletics to H.S. commencements, take place.

I am concerned,m as well, about the precedent that such an amendment change might set regarding this University 2 zone.

It is only logical that one additional professional event already affects my business. Any additional events will do the same.

Therefore, without any misconceptions and having been clearly presented all this information pertaining to the issue, I urge you, Mayor Morton, distinguished Aldermen and Zoning Appeal Board Members to vote NO on this zoning Amendment change.

4/16/1996

Keith Zaransky, owner of Circa Wilmette, 1917 Central Street

I find that due to the very limited parking, coupled with the construction currently underway nearby, many of my customers are greatly inconvenienced.

This greatly affects my ability to run a successful business. Also, in that many of my customers are senior citizens, it is that much more important that neither parking nor traffic are worsened at all.'I feel that the event in question may very well cost me income, any of which may become a hardship on me.

4/16/2996

Spencer Orelove, owner of Kangaroo, 2014 Central Street

I reside at 418 Isabella, Wilmette.

My recollection is that in the spring of 1995 Northwestern delivered a flyer to local residents describing three plans to build a permanent tennis facility.

As I recall, the plan was to build a permanent structure where the tennis "Bubble" currently exists and to move the Bubble to the east side of the property.

Whenever an event takes place at Northwestern, there is increasing traffic on Central St and reduced parking availability (either restricted parking or unrestricted parking with the spaces being filled by attendees of the event). There is no increase in business associated with the additional traffic.

I am also a neighborhood resident, residing at 418 Isabella, Wilmette. Whenever a Northwestern event takes place I have no place to park my cars and n notice considerable litter (beer cans, food debris etc.).

I oppose additional events taking place at the sports facilities.

Spencer Orelove also wrote an affidavit letter as a resident of Wilmette.

The tennis "bubble" he refers to was a U2 temporary structure that the City allowed with the understanding it would be used only for amateur tennis practice and matches.

Spotlight corrected two spelling mistakes in Orelove's document.

4/16/1996

Spencer Orelove, owner of Kangoroo, 2014 Central Street

I reside at 418 Isabella, Wilmette

My recollection is that in the spring of 1995 Northwestern delivered a flyer to local residents describing their plans to build a permanent tennis facility.

As I recall, the plan was to build a permanent structure where the tennis "bubble" currently exists and to move the bubble to the east side of the property.