2019 E-mails and On-Line Media

Comments Evanston and Wilmette residents started pouring in soon after the 7th Ward meeting on April 25, when NU briefly presented its plans about pro-sports and for-profit events in the U2 District. At the meeting NU gave as a potential example of an event they could host a Bruce Springsteen concert at Ryan Field, with an attendance of 40,000.

Another two community meetings were held later by NU at the Wilson Club, inside Welsh Ryan Arena. The public was not impressed, even when NU claimed they now only wanted events to be held at Welsh Ryna Arena. However the proposals, as written, never once specifically designated the Arena as the only designated temporary events venue.

"My main concern living in this neighborhood is that you are bringing in an amount of traffic into this neighborhood and the infrastructure can’t sustain it,” said Dana Caspall, one of an estimated 100 residents in attendance at the meeting. “I want a good quality of life. I want a safe neighborhood, and I don’t want it to become, even for six or seven events, Rosemont Horizon in our backyard.”

Northwestern needs the income from rock concerts like we need even more parking restrictions on Central Street. Show up at City Hall on July 12 to add your voice to the many opposed to NU destroying our neighborhood. They just built at $275M state-of-the art field house. Have concerts there!

Jim Signorelli

Most of the emails below were sent to members of the Plan Commission, City Council and neighborhood groups.

April 26, 2019

Hi Eleanor,

I live at [address], right by Ryan Field. Last football season the fans were absolutely awful. We had everything from people smoking pot in the alley behind our house and throwing garbage into our yard over the fence to drunk people urinating in our side yard. We’re thinking of getting security cameras or adding some sort of security system before next season starts. I do not want any additional events added to Ryan Field.

Best,

Noa Perelman

**********

April 26, 2019

Subject: Added Events to Ryan Field

Hi Dave,

I recently received an email from a neighbor saying Northwestern wants to add additional events, including professional events, to Ryan Field. I’d like more information on this.

I live at ... Ashland Avenue, right by Ryan Field. Last football season the fans were absolutely awful. We had everything from people smoking pot in the alley behind our house and throwing garbage into our yard over the fence to drunk people urinating in our side yard. Last year a group of fans got into an actual physical fight on our street. We’re thinking of getting security cameras or adding some sort of security system before next season starts, specifically because of the behavior of the people who attend games at Ryan Field.

Thanks,

Noa Perelman

May 28, 2019

Dear Mayor Hegarty and Members of the City Council and Plan Commission:

I am a 15-year resident of [address] in Evanston just south of the Northwestern athletics complex. It is my understanding that Northwestern is seeking city approval to expand uses of Ryan Field and/or Welsh Ryan to include commercial, for-profit events. As a homeowner and parent, I wish to express my strong opposition to this plan. These events would dramatically alter the quality of life and affect community safety and infrastructure in Evanston and Wilmette.

All of us who have moved into this neighborhood of homes, schools and small businesses understood we would be living near an athletics complex and that these facilities would host university athletics competitions and academic events such as graduation ceremonies. But changing the law to allow rock concerts, mixed martial-arts tournaments, monster truck rallies, or whatever else NU may be envisioning would be a completely different matter and create significant stresses on the community. What is the rationale for this? Northwestern is already an extremely wealthy (and tax-exempt) institution. Are the proposed entertainment tax benefits to the city for the additional events so great that they will outweigh the harm to the neighborhood and city infrastructure (and these costs will be borne by the entire city, not just our ward)? Has Northwestern shared financial information with the city regarding these alleged benefits? If so, I, for one, would like to see it.

I saw an email quoting someone from the university that the proposed events would be 'family-friendly.' Exactly how would that be defined, and by whom? In my long experience with universities, they are quite adverse to anything that would smack of censorship. As an example: let's say NU wants to be able to rent the arena for events sponsored by social or political organizations. That could mean the Boy Scouts; it could also mean the Proud Boys. And I doubt the university would be able to say yes to the former and no to the latter. In another email, a Northwestern official was quoted as saying how great it would be if Ryan Field could play host to a Bruce Springsteen concert. As much as we all may love Springsteen, the idea of tens of thousands of fans pouring into the streets after a loud late-night concert actually is not an appealing prospect for those of us trying to sleep so we can go to work or take care of young children the next day.

I also understand that NU referred to an ongoing study of zoning changes in 'comparable residential settings' at other universities and colleges. Who is paying for this study or conducting it? If the answer to either question is 'Northwestern,' then that would hardly an objective source of information.

For one thing, how are "comparable" settings to be defined or determined? Northwestern is not a rural land-grant campus like most Big Ten schools, nor is it in a huge city with substantial law enforcement and support services at the ready. Northwestern's facilities are in a congested suburban residential neighborhood, mostly of single-family houses, close to two elementary schools, a middle school and a church, and many small businesses. The main road leading past the complex, Central, is also the main access road leading to a major hospital and the only emergency room for miles. We do not have highways or wide two-lane arterial streets with turning lanes serving the athletics complex, like, say, the University of Illinois at Chicago; the Northwestern stadium and arena are bracketed by narrow two-lane roads. There are already traffic choke-points on Green Bay at Central and Lincoln under the best of circumstances. Do we want to make this neighborhood even more congested and inaccessible than it already is?

Another question: there are already about 10-12 days a year where Ashland Avenue is closed to traffic and parking due to football games, graduations, etc., and many parking restrictions throughout the neighborhood. Would these proposed events mean more days where we can't drive or park on the streets where we own homes?

I've heard various numbers (7, 15, etc.) regarding the number of commercial, for-profit events Northwestern wants to hold. Whatever the number, we can be certain if approved it would only grow over time, and turn north Evanston and south Wilmette into Wrigleyville - but without the traffic or law enforcement infrastructure to support these proposed expanded uses.

At every one of the seven universities at which I've worked or with which I've been associated, any action such as the one Northwestern is proposing would require extensive public outreach, community meetings, and the opportunity for citizens to comment. Unless I, and everyone I've spoken to in the community, have missed something - and I usually pay attention to any mailing NU sends to our home - this is being done very quietly, with information dripping out slowly.

As my wife and I have already communicated to our Alderwoman, Eleanor Revelle, we hope the City slows this process down until after summer vacation season so residents can be fully informed and engaged. Respectfully, the city needs to takes the time to carry out due diligence, hold public hearings focused specifically on this proposal, and share accurate and complete information with the community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mark Rosati

May 29, 2019

Subject: Concerns about NU zoning proposal

Mayor Hagerty and Members of the City Council and Plan Commission,

I am a relatively new Evanston resident. My husband and I moved to Evanston a little less than 2 years ago — We have two small children and moved from Chicago on the promise of a vibrant community, safe streets, great schools and an ecosystem of businesses and people that made our pocket of North Evanston seemingly amazing.

Although we have had concerns about the existing game-day action (something I’ve emailed you about before, Mayor Hagerty), the recent development that the athletics complex will host anything beyond the existing action is utterly disappointing and maddening. I have been disturbed by the back-channel ways this has been worked through to date. The most recent proposal that would expand use of the Welsh-Ryan arena gives me pause relative to those values I listed above - safe streets, great schools, and a vibrant community all seem in peril with increased activity and precedent setting that is sought.

The streets are already congested and traffic to the hospital is held up by anything more than what exists today. Our particular street (Ashland) is closed for any of these existing events outlined (the games, the graduations, etc.) and that is, no surprise, a major disruption to our life. That said, we moved to our house knowing that there may be some disruption. To see more of this disruption brings a huge amount of concern related to safety, traffic flow and general infrastructure burden.

Aside from the increased activity, I have concerns about what is proposed. The designation of what is “family friendly” is a slippery slope. Although I think Dave and Maureen are very good at their jobs and seem like nice people, I have no way to know how they are calibrated relative to this distinction. And then this speaks nothing of what any officials who come after them determine what falls in that category.

Even in a short amount of time, we have basic trust issues since any feedback we have on existing experienced issues may have been heard but has not been actioned by Northwestern officials. Any expansion of use gives me great pause and makes me feel the decision to choose Evanston may have been naive. I hope to see leadership advocate for the residents and continue to be mindful of the delicate ecosystem that exists across all of Evanston but, in this case, in North Evanston where this proposal veers into serious overreach. As the recent feature pointed out, Evanston is much more than Northwestern and we need to feel confident that value outside of the University is known and valued and nourished for the future.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Verstegen

On May 29, 2019

Hello Alderman Revelle,

I'm writing to ask you to please deny Northwestern's re-zoning request to allow professional entertainment events in the Welsh Ryan complex. The complex is surrounded by modest, single family homes. We've lived here for 20 years, are new empty-nesters, and have started to contemplate selling our home for a smaller one. To be frank, a significant part of our retirement savings are locked up in the equity of our house. Just in the last year, we've put in a $14000 new roof, a $17000 space pac system, $5000 in electrical upgrades and $7000 in landscaping--all with an eye towards spiffing up the house before selling.

While we tolerate and even enjoy the 6-7 home football games a year, I fear that allowing professional entertainment events, literally, in our back yard, would jeopardize all the investments we've made in our Evanston home. Why do I think it would hurt property values? While I may not have hard evidence that this would hurt property values, I know that 20 years ago, my husband and I would never have purchased a home in the shadows of a commercial concert and sports venue. Never.

Historically, their attempts to make similar rezoning moves (in 1970 and 1996), have been shot down by city government officials that have rightly placed the concerns of their constituents above Northwestern's self-serving development moves. There is solid historical precedent for protecting the neighborhood surrounding Ryan Field. Your own vote for the full fence--instead of 365 day a year of obnoxious light levels--is a proud, recent example.

So I know you listen to us, and think about these issues carefully. But the council has made so many concessions to Northwestern in recent years that have concerned me. What they've done to the lakefront is, while beautiful and functional for them, appalling to many Evanstonians who enjoy the lake and use the beach regularly. I've accepted that, ultimately, the campus is their neighborhood and they have the right to shape it as they wish. But making similar moves on the relatively small parcel of land they own in my neighborhood is another story.

The fact is that Northwestern is one of the wealthiest universities in the country. (With an endowment of $11. billion they have the 10th largest endowment of all universities in the US.) Allowing them to host professional entertainment events would allow them to greedily increase their already substantial wealth, while simultaneously robbing me and my neighbors by decreasing our property values and diminishing the investments we've made in our homes over the decades. If Northwestern wants to make more money by hosting professional entertainment events, why not let them host these events on their lake front campus--which is surrounded by students, not families--and could fit right in with the other development monstrosities they've added to their campus.

Please vote against this rezoning request--and ask your colleagues to do the same.

Thanks for listening. Sorry for the tome, but I feel strongly about this.

Lynn Trautmann

Alderwoman Eleanor Revelle response to Lynn

May 29, 2019

Subject: Re: Rezoning Welsh Ryan Complex

Hello, Lynn —

Thank you for your very eloquent email detailing your reasons for opposing Northwestern’s application for a zoning code amendment to permit professional sports and entertainment events at Welsh Ryan arena. I will stand with you and your neighbors and oppose the proposed amendment.

Next steps in the process: The proposed amendment will go first to the Plan Commission. Public notice has been given that the item will be on the agenda for the commission's June 12 meeting, but NU has asked that the item be held until the commission’s July 10 meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal at that time, and it will be important to have a strong turnout of neighbors at the meeting. The commission members will consider all the information presented and decide whether to recommend approval or denial of the application.

The Plan Commission will then forward its recommendation to the City Council. The item will go first to the Planning & Development Committee and then on to the full Council. There will be opportunities for members of the public to offer comments at both the P&D meeting and at the Council meeting.

So, as you see, we are just at the beginning of the process. Let me know if you have any questions.

Eleanor

May 29, 2019

Subject: No Professional Events at Northwestern

As 33-year residents of the 7th ward, we are adamantly opposed to professional events being held within the U2 zone of the ward.

Events traditionally held in the zone are of a non-profit nature and generally support the mission of the University. For-profit events support no mission other than to contribute money to Northwestern’s coffers at the expense of serious disruptions to the neighborhood.

Please do whatever is necessary to prevent any zoning changes in the U2 zone.

Thank you.

Richard and Wendy Holland

The email above was sent again to Mayor Hagerty on July 5th. Only then did the Mayor respond to Mr. Holland in one brief sentence:

Date : 7/8/2019 8:24:03 PM From : "Steve Hagerty" To : "Richard Holland" Subject : Re: No Professional Events at Northwestern

Dear Mr and Mrs Holland,

Thank you for your email and expressing your concerns on the NU request for a zoning change.

Steve Hagerty

May 30, 2019

Subject : zoning code for U2 district

Dear Mayor Hagerty,

I live on Ashland Avenue between Central and Lincoln -- immediately south of Ryan Field. When my husband and I bought our house in 2016, we had a sense of the Northwestern football schedule (thanks to his brother-in-law, a devoted fan and alum). The proximity to the stadium was a drawback for us but not a dealbreaker, given its moderate use.

I am vehemently opposed to Northwestern's proposal to strike the "amateur" and "nonprofit" requirements for events held at Ryan Field.

As it is, I plan my weekends around the events that already happen. (It's bad news trying to walk my daughter in her stroller to the park when the crowds are thick. I try not to move my car until the traffic clears, the shuttles stop running, the barricades are removed, and Ashland is open again. I also don't love the litter that fans drop -- especially not the one memorable occasion when three young men in Northwestern gear tried to shove their trash through the mail slot in my front door. In broad daylight.)

These inconveniences are manageable in their current quantity and quality. I cannot imagine how much more difficult things will become if the events increase in frequency and size. One particular concern I have is the combination of noise and time of day: there are thirteen children on our street (a few of them elementary or middle school age, but most of them toddlers) and nighttime rock concerts would be a nightmare scenario for the parents. Professional sports events (with the number of fans and the kinds of behavior they bring) and multi-day events (interfering with traffic both on foot and by car) would also be extremely unpleasant.

In the 3+ years that we've lived here, this has been a very family-friendly neighborhood. Kids play together in each other's yards. We enjoy our block party every summer and get together for Halloween and other occasions. But if the use of Ryan Field changes as dramatically as is proposed, the character of the neighborhood and the quality of life will change too.

I do not want my house -- or any of the houses on our block -- to lose value. I do not want to deal with larger, more frequent crowds and more frequent block closures. I hope you will protect the interests of the local residents and oppose this proposal.

Thank you very much.

Sarah Landis

June 3, 2019

Subject: Neighbors

Re Northwestern's attempt to appropriate public streets

Want to reiterate our unalterable opposition to NU holding professional events at the stadium or McGaw.

It's not just our desire to access our neighborhood because of traffic. It's also a safety issue. Fire engines need Central St. too. And ambulances and the community need to access the hospital. Also when does the Central St. bridge reconstruction start? That will bring more gridlock.

Alan Rosenthal

Jun 14, 2019

Dear Alderperson Revelle,

I am writing to register my disagreement with the possible zoning changes proposed for Northwestern University regarding both the possibility of selling liquor in Welsh-Ryan arena and the idea of increasing the number of events at that facility.

As a resident of the area and living within a stones’ throw of the stadium/arena, my family has lived with the crowds, difficulty in parking, occasional litter and trespassing that occurs during various events and the overall hassle of leaving or reaching our home during event days. However, we recognized those would be present when we purchased our home.

However, the idea of increasing the amount of events, some of which are university related but many not, and in addition, dealing with individuals who may or may not be inebriated, is upsetting and extremely unappealing. In addition, there are many wonderful establishments in the immediate area that serve liquor that would benefit from sales during the regularly scheduled events.

For all those reasons, I strongly encourage you to reject the proposals for increasing events at Welsh-Ryan arena and for adding a liquor license. I also respectfully request that you encourage other members of the board/ council to do the same.

Thank you for your attention.

Kind regards,

Ellen Gilbert

June 29, 2019

Subject : Concerns about changes to the U2 zone

Dear Mayor Hagerty: I write to express my opposition to: i. allowing Northwestern to sell liquor in parts of the University sports complex and ii. to the proposal to open the sports complex to professional events.

My understanding is that you are more intimately involved in the liquor licensing issue. Welsch-Ryan holds roughly 7,000 people. Even a relatively small share of those people drinking too much will make the neighborhood less safe. I'm especially concerned about the potential increase in drunk driving, but also in the noise, and likely increase in drunken and disorderly conduct.

I am also concerned about the proposal to open Welsch-Ryan to events that aren't amateur in nature and the precedent that it sets for the whole city.. The combination of the two changes is much more worrying, as Northwestern's end goal is to hold large music concerts and serve alcohol at them.

I love my neighborhood, but these changes would make it a less safe and less desirable for raising my family. All property owners in Evanston (including you as a homeowner and the University as a landowner) benefit from well defined property rights. These property rights implicitly include that we shouldn't have zoning changes that will change the amount of loud, drunken, commercial activity in our neighborhoods. This change is bad and the precedent it sets is much worse.

Thank you for all you do as Mayor and for your consideration on this issue. I hope you will use your formal power on the alcohol issue and also share these concerns with the city council more broadly.

Sincerely, Christopher Ody

July 5, 2019

Only events relating to Northwestern sports, graduations and Northwestern activities should be held. Our neighborhood has always welcomed the crowds that come for football games etc. for Northwestern but that is definitely enough to ask. I vote NO to any outside events being held on these facilities.

Katie Maday

July 12, 2019

Hello,

I am very opposed to NU’s attempt to change zoning ordinances and bring in commercial/professional events to their stadium and other facilities!

I thank you for the flyer you dropped through my mail slot.

Please add my e-mail address to your list.

I am caring for my 98 year old father and working full time, but I will contribute and do what I can.

Thank you, Beth Horner

August 8, 2019

Subject: No alcohol license or for-profit events for Northwestern stadium complex!

Dear Mayor Hagerty, Alderpeople of Evanston and Ms Jones,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the selling of alcohol and the zoning change to allow for-profit events at the Northwestern stadium complex. As a neighbor of Ryan Field and a parent of two young children, I believe that allowing the university to make these changes would negatively impact not only the 7th ward but Evanston as a whole. Please consider the following points:

1. Increased traffic and the resulting drunk drivers would put our children at risk.

2. Evanston will incur new costs managing this huge influx of people but will earn negligible taxes due to NU’s tax-exempt status.

3. Most Big 10 schools do not allow for alcohol sales at their stadiums. Ryan Field is in a more residential area than most stadiums, and NU’s plan is very broad.

This goes against NU’s mission as an educational institution.

4. The zoning change would effect ALL of Evanston by setting precedent for Northwestern to make further for-profit changes at Evanston’s expense.

Please PLEASE consider the safety and quality of life of Evanston residents before NU’s profits and STOP these changes from moving forward.

Respectfully,

Nora Wasserman

August 8, 2019

Subject: Say NO to Non-Collegiate Events at NU

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward resident and parent of young, school-aged children. While I love living near the stadium and attending Big 10 sporting events literally in my backyard, I strongly oppose granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

I love my neighborhood because of its rich community of neighbors, its deep and unique sense of place, and the safety my children enjoy along Central Street and around McCulloch Park. After renting a home in our neighborhood for five years, I chose to buy a house within 500 feet of Ryan Field because I believe in and experience daily the magic that can be made when universities and their neighbors work together to create safe, working relationships that consider the health of the larger community.

On the contrary, I believe that opening the doors to non-collegiate, for-profit events at Northwestern University will devastate our local community, both within the McCulloch Park neighborhood and all along the Central Street corridor. The area around the NU sports complex was not built to withstand year-round events that attract thousands (or tens-of-thousands) of visitors. The Central Street restaurants and shops are not enough to absorb the overflow of people who arrive early or stay late for these events. Instead, they flow onto our streets, into our parks, and often upon our own private property. This imbalance makes for a dangerous mix. I anticipate that the burden on our business district, our infrastructure, and our police force will far outweigh any benefits our city currently sees in such a deal. And of course, the emotional burden on our children and our families, when our neighborhood magic is stolen by fleeting visitors without a care for what we have, is heavier than all of it.

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The health of our neighborhood depends upon it.

Sincerely,

Amanda Bratten

August 8, 2019

Subject: Evanston Resident Opposition to For Profit Events in Welsh-Ryan Arena

To Whom It May Concern:

I have been an Evanston 7th Ward resident for nearly nineteen years. I live almost as close as possible to the NU Stadium parking lot, just one street and 1 home separate our home from the lot. I care a great deal about Evanston and its citizens. As a matter of interest, I voluntarily served a three year term on the Evanston Human Rights Commission, including as its chair. I am writing to you now as a concerned citizen who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

We love our neighborhood, and we believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will cause us significant and irreparable harm, in the form of increased noise, traffic, and congestion. The value of a tax dollars raised does not outweigh the harm caused to Evanston residents. If you vote yes, you are ignoring the clear wishes of resident in favor of a non-tax paying entity (which is run by individuals that don’t actually live and raise children in the near vicinity).

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Betsy Katten

August 8, 2019

Subject: Welsh-Ryan Arena proposal

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward resident and parent of school-aged children who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

We love our neighborhood because it is a family friendly community. We believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will cause excess traffic, noise pollution, light pollution, and trash. Additionally, I would anticipate that these events would happen at night so it would be disruptive to the neighbors.

While we love the NU sporting events, we also suffer from some of the negative consequences including; bad traffic, vandalism, trash, drunk people and theft (our halloween decorations were stolen from our yard last year).

Don't you think that Northwestern University has taken advantage of the city of Evanston and the tax payers long enough? Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

The Cummings Family

August 8, 2019

Subject: Vote NO!

Dear City of Evanston,

I am a 7th ward resident and parent of a school-aged child who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

I was raised in this community and decided to stay because I love that it is intimate and quiet. I believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will disrupt the peace in the neighborhood, clog the streets and trample local businesses.

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Vashti Araia

August 9, 2019

Subject: I oppose NU's request to allow for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward resident and parent of school-aged children who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

We love our neighborhood because it is quiet, safe, clean and residential. We believe that it will no longer be this way with non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Northwestern is a wealthy institution that benefits greatly

from being in our community without paying property taxes. Do not let them threaten what makes our community so great.

Sincerely,

Amelia Kohm

August 9, 2019

Subject: Oppose Welsh-Ryan plan

Hello Evanston leaders.

I'm writing to say I strongly oppose the proposal to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Although the number is limited and the proposal is characterized as a pilot program, I think it's highly likely that this would be only the beginning.

When night games began at Wrigley Field in 1988 the neighborhood was promised there would only be 18 per year. There are now 43 and the Cubs are lobbying for 54. PLUS all the concerts they stage there.

Increasing the number is the only way I can imagine this would generate any significant revenue for an organization as large as NU. I can't imagine they'd be going to this much trouble if that were not the plan.

Because I work on-air at WTTW I cannot publicly take a position on this because of our news standards.

But privately, as resident of the 7th Ward and parent of school-aged children, I strongly oppose granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

I am a proud alum of Northwestern and I think that the crowds on the handful of football game days add an element of fun to the neighborhood. But that's just a few days a year. Adding commercial events would seriously degrade the nature of the neighborhood with its modest scaled homes and communal feeling of families who often meet and interact at our little local park.

I urge you to vote NO on this proposal.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Baer

August 9, 2019

Subject: Please vote NO to the zoning change for NU athletics campus

Hello,

My husband and I moved to Evanston 2 years ago to find a quiet and safe life for our children (aged 3 years old and 18 mos) -- We are 7th Ward residents and strongly oppose granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. We will tell you that even in 2 years the noise and disruption to our day to day lives has increased with bigger tailgates (and a corner bar on the southwest corner of the field for gamedays) and the set up and take down on all things. We even experienced nonstop beeping for almost all of June and July with a project that they were doing to the top of the field.

The neighborhood is family friendly. The idea that we would introduce non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will cause excess traffic, noise pollution, light pollution, and trash. Additionally, I would anticipate that these events would happen at night so it would be disruptive to the neighbors. It's really disappointing to understand how this helps enable the livability that Evanston touts so regularly - the livability and peace that is the reason we sign up for the tax rates that accompany citizenship.

We've had music so loud coming from the parking lots and passing cars that our baby has woken up or had trouble sleeping (and we are 4 houses in from the athletic campus). We can rarely keep our windows open for a day in the summer because inevitably there will be some disruptive action happening related to the existing allowed events. Adding additional non-collegiate events promises to bring even more disruption to our lives. We moved from the city to enjoy peace and are saddened when, many days, we found Edgewater in Chicago to be more tranquil.

NU already enjoys so many benefits from being a part of our city. We share a partnership, each bringing a dynamic the other takes benefit from. In this case, the request to bring commercial events to the mix is almost sure to disrupt the already delicate balance in the community ecosystem. Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

As a side note, it's been disappointing to see that the conversation has gone this far. It feels so clearly a threat to what the neighborhood holds precious. I hope you will do your part to advocate and serve us as citizens -- I try my best to be involved in meetings with the city but with kids as little as we have and a full-time job it's been tough to lend my voice in person. I am hopeful you can see the impact via my email and I welcome any further questions or thoughts from you as representatives across the city.

Sincerely,

The Rossetti-Verstegen Family

August 10, 2019

Subject: Pilot Program is Bad News

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a long-time 7th Ward resident who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Our quiet and highly-taxed neighborhood should not be turned into a pop-up arena for thousands of people, especially one serving alcohol. These thousands will need a place to park, which means that those using the NU parking lot (with only 2 access points) will impede flow on Central and Isabella, and the rest will be inundating our neighborhood streets. Shop owners have made clear that this has a consistently negative effect on their businesses.

We believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will be a major detriment to our safety, quality of life, and property values.

Would anyone who will have a vote on this honestly say they would want this in their neighborhood? Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Taylor

August 11, 2019

Re: proposed zoning ordinance text amendment pursuant to City Code Title 6, Zoning, to section 6-15-7-12 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 District

To Mayor Steve Hagerty:

To the Evanston City Council:

re: proposed zoning ordinance text amendment pursuant to City Code Title 6, Zoning, to section 6-15-7-12 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 District

We have been residents of the 7th Ward for 31 years. Tim has been an Evanston resident for even longer as he has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University. Our children attended Kingsley and Haven Schools and graduated from Evanston Township High School. As long-time Evanston residents we STRONGLY OPPOSE granting Northwestern University's request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

We love our neighbors and our neighborhood. As our family grew and our first house on Eastwood became increasingly snug we reluctantly began to look outside our neighborhood. After a few years of looking we were delighted to find our current home the next block over on Broadway.

We believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will greatly increase pedestrian and vehicular traffic in our neighborhood, adversely effecting local businesses and residents. The introduction of for-profit events WILL NOT economically benefit the City of Evanston so much as it will increase NU's revenue and profits. The City will receive a tiny fraction of the revenue NU earns. Does Evanston care so little for its local businesses and residents that it will allow this change to happen?

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh Ryan Arena.

Janet Sparks

Timothy Guimond

August 13, 2019

Subject: NU Zoning

To the City Council and the Plan Commission,

Re. proposed zoning ordinance text amendment pursuant to City Code Title 6, Zoning, to section 6-15-7-12 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 District.

I am a 7th Ward resident and/or parent of school-aged children who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

We love our neighborhood because it is welcoming, quiet, and family-friendly. We believe that introducing non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena will add congestion and noise that the neighborhood cannot accommodate. Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Erica Stern

August 17, 2019

Subject: NU Text Amendment Proposal

TO THE EVANSTON CITY COUNCIL AND TO THE PLAN COMMISSION:

John Twohey here. My wife Mary Jane and I are residents of the 7th Ward. We live in a home at [address], two blocks west of Welsh-Ryan Arena.

First, let me say that we are fortunate to have Northwestern University within the city limits of Evanston. Its presence here enriches the community on many levels, and it is generally a good neighbor.

That said, my wife and I vigorously oppose the text amendment proposal that NU has advanced for Welsh-Ryan.

When we purchased our home 42 years ago we understood that we were buying into a neighborhood that included a football stadium and a basketball arena. We did some research and discovered that these buildings were used almost exclusively for Northwestern football and basketball games. We were OK with those uses, which (with a few exceptions) have been the rule for all the years that we've lived here.

We are not comfortable, however, seeing the city expand those uses to include for-profit concerts and professional sporting events, especially if alcoholic beverages end up being sold on these occasions. It's one thing to live in a neighborhood that hosts eighteen college basketball games a year at Welsh-Ryan and another to see nine or ten music concerts and professional sporting events added to the lineup at that venue.

Our view is that it's wrong for NU to change the rules that have been in place for our neighborhood for more than 40 years and to inflict on us a significant increase in traffic congestion and noise. Despite its assertion to the contrary NU simply does not have enough parking spaces on the lots east and west of Ryan Field to accommodate the number of cars that would carry patrons to new for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan. The result will be more days and nights on which local residents and businesses will contend with serious congestion on streets throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

As you know, the problem is that many years ago NU chose to locate its basketball arena and football stadium in a residential neighborhood. I've visited all the other Big Ten campuses, and no other school within the conference has erected athletic facilities similar to Welsh-Ryan Arena and Ryan Field so close to nearby homes and apartment buildings.

We understand that the NU athletic department is under pressure to find new ways to maximize the value of the revamped Welsh-Ryan. This is particularly true in the wake of the serious, university-wide budget crisis Northwestern is currently facing.

We simply ask that residents of this neighborhood not be asked to sacrifice our quality of life on eight to ten additional days a year in order to help balance the books at NU. That's not fair to any of us.

Thank you for taking our views on this matter into consideration.

Sincerely...John Twohey

August 19, 2019

Re: proposed zoning ordinance text amendment pursuant to City Code Title 6, Zoning, to section 6-15-7-12 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 District

To the City Council:

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed Zoning Ordinance related to permitted uses of the U2 District.

As a neighbor who lives close to the stadium, I am concerned about the impact to the neighborhood of additional events held at the Northwestern campus each year.

These events have a significant impact on the neighbors from traffic, noise and the kind of issues you would expect when that many people come through the neighborhood on a single day.

Nonetheless, what is more offensive to me is that the university has not offered anything to offset these costs, either to the neighbors or the city as a whole. If Northwestern was offering something in exchange, it would at least force us to consider the value of what they are offering compared to the significant costs. In this case, the value to residents seems extremely tenuous (and they don't seem to be even attempting to really convince us otherwise), but the costs are crystal clear to those of us who live near the facilities.

I encourage the city counsel to reject this measure as it does not advance the interests or well being of Evanston residents, but is rather a simple cash grab for Northwestern that we do not need to support.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ted Pickus

August 20, 2019

August 20, 2019

Subject: Please vote "NO" on the proposed text amendment change for the U2 district

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward resident and parent of two school-aged children who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events in the facilities within the U2 district. Before moving to Evanston, we lived in Wrigleyville. While we loved being “close to the action”, we knew that it was NOT an environment where we wanted to raise our children and we were looking to get away from the traffic, noise, trash and disorderly behavior associated with being close to such a large sporting venue.

When we found or dream house in Evanston and moved here 8 years ago, we knew what we were signing up for being only ½ block from Ryan Field. We felt comfortable that we could deal with all the inconveniences for just 7 days a year, which include

· Pre-planning to avoid leaving the house of football Saturdays due to traffic and congestion

· Comforting our crying children who have been woken up by the fireworks during night games

· Spending Sunday morning picking up the trash that was left in our yard

· Shielding our children from disorderly behavior (including having people urinate on our lawn)

Again, while I am willing to deal with the inconvenience listed above 7 times a year, am I NOT comfortable signing up for them on a regular basis, which is what I fear will happen should commercial for-profit events be held in facilities located in the the U2 district. In addition, there are too many unanswered questions, such as

· Why do the six single-day events requested not need city approval and only the one multi-day event need approval? How will we ensure that community voices are heard regarding the types of events that are held?

· Why does the ordinance not clearly stipulate Welsh-Ryan Arena as the location for the extra events? What is behind the decision to ensure all U2 facilities are included?

I feel this is a very slippery slope to including many events at Ryan Field.

· How does this text amendment link to Northwestern’s desire to apply for alcohol sales at the facilities with the U2 zone? Again, I fear this is a very slippery slope.

· The U2 zone only has 2000 parking spaces for events with a maximum attendance of 7000 people. What will Northwestern and the city do to help ensure that we don’t have vast numbers of cars parking in our neighborhood?

We love our neighborhood and don’t want to see it radically change due to this text amendment.

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events within the U2 district.

Sincerely,

Jill Kidd

Below: an email to the Evanston Plan Commission from a Wilmette resident

August 22, 2019

Re. Northwestern University's proposed text amendment

To the City Council and the Plan Commission,

I'd like to offer comment about Northwestern's proposed text amendment changing the zoning of Welsh Ryan Arena to allow for pro sports and concerts. I live in the neighborhood.

The biggest concerns seem to be about traffic and parking. Right now residents nearby (and blocks away) deal with traffic and parking problems on football games, basketball games and graduation days. What wasn't brought up in the pubic meetings is that these are often on weekends when residents are at home and decompressing from the week. You adjust to those weekend days knowing you will be trapped inside or outside a busy traffic area and that you can't have friends and family over because they can't park in the street. Yes, some take ride shares and some take the train, but having football and basketball game days be days where you are limited socially like this is a big deal. But we all knew about football and basketball games coming into the neighborhood but to ask us to give up additional weekend days for profit evens at the arena seems like a huge additional burden that we did not take on when buying in this area.

On graduation days as well as football and basketball games you will find all of the legal parking spots in the Wilmette side taken within about a mile radius - that's a lot of streets being parked up. Yes, basketball games, too. Evanston streets are parked quite a bit west of the stadium. If I drive somewhere and have the option of parking on the street for free 2 blocks away or parking remotely and taking a shuttle to a concert at Welsh Ryan (NU's proposal), I'll take the free, easy parking. I also have 2 apps on my phone that show me where free parking is and I'm guessing others do as well. The bottom line is that people will be parking on our streets and we would give up even more weekend days to having friends and family over, and getting in and out of our own homes.

I find it disingenuous for NU (at the August 7th Plan Commission meeting and at the first Welsh Ryan meeting) to keep insisting that the conversation be limited to Welsh Ryan Arena. If you live in the area it does not matter if the attendees are going to the Arena or the stadium - traffic is traffic, parking spaces are parking spaces. We moved into the area knowing about the 8 football game weekends we would have to give up as well as the basketball game and graduation weekend days that would limit our ability to get around, or our friends and families to visit. You can't separate Welsh Ryan Arena from the stadium as if they are separate discussions - traffic and parking are issues regardless.

Here are two anecdotes: last year my in-laws flew in to visit on the day of NU's graduation ceremonies. We timed their flight arrival to avoid too much graduation traffic because they couldn't fly another day. Their flight was delayed, they hit traffic coming in, took maybe 1 hour 45 minutes to get here from O'Hare and we missed a restaurant reservation. Not the worst thing in the world, but just an example of what we deal with on certain weekends. Earlier this year we'd scheduled a dinner at our house with friends to celebrate someone's 70th birthday. They drive and can't walk far but we could only schedule this on a basketball day. They won't take Uber or Lyft, so we arranged for a friend to go out, park their car ~5 blocks away, walk back and rejoin us. We don't have a driveway. Again, not too bad, but it's just an example of what neighbors deal with. There are only so many weekends in a year and right now the idea of having additional weekend days like this does not yet seem appealing to many in that group if you think of things this way.

But if Evanston constituents want parking relief during NU events, the city needs to change parking laws on those streets (during basketball, football and potential concert days). This is a significant change and NU has no say over it. Residents would need to have parking passes to allow their friends and family members to park in the street. Likewise, if Wilmette residents want that, the village needs to make that change and there seems to be a hands off approach between Wilmette and NU. No one brought up that obvious point last night.

The distrust this neighborhood feels toward NU I felt as soon as I moved here 4 years ago in talking to neighbors. The problem is that they have no forum to air concerns other than talking to each other. So it feels to them that there is a problem (the chiller sounds, the baseball clubhouse HVAC unit, amplified music at baseball games) and they have no communication stream to direct it to. There is no "Northwestern" to talk to, so "Northwestern doesn't listen to our concerns" becomes a festering sentiment. When I open my windows most mornings at 6:45 a.m. I hear the baseball clubhouse HVAC unit running, something many Wilmette neighbors have complained about. And for the past nights I've heard the Welsh Ryan high pressure chillers come on, producing a high pitched whining noise like an air raid siren that the neighbors have been complaining about for 14 months. NU has occasionally answered emails, but left many unanswered. Many calls and emails to the athletic department, the facilities department and the office of community affairs were never responded to, though some have been. The issues still persist to this day.

I expect the issues that come up with professional concerts and sports games coming into this neighborhood will be similarly ignored by NU, or talked about then forgotten while we deal with the traffic and noise issues for these additional weekend days. I strongly urge you to consider not allowing this text amendment.

Mike Miller

August 26, 2019

David Carlsen‎ to Ryan Field Neighbors

Heard tonight for the first time that Northwestern is intending to seek approval from Evanston to hold professional events in the various local athletic venues.These could be in Welsh Ryan, but there was also a mention of possible rock concerts in Ryan Field. Strictly an NU "revenue play" which some in the audience found ironic given their "land grant" non tax paying status. Really don't think the neighborhood needs this.

August 26, 2019

Regarding Special Events in the U2 District

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward resident and parent of school-aged children who strongly opposes granting Northwestern University's request to allow non-collegiate. for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. We love Northwestern. We love its mission, we love the intelligent people it draws to Evanston and Chicago, and frankly - despite the drawbacks from a neighborhood standpoint, we love football Saturdays. There is an energy to the neighborhood those days, and it is actually pretty fun. Our three kids greatly enjoy Wildcat Alley before each game. This summer, we also had a wonderful evening at the outdoor movie at Ryan Field (we didn't partake in the free food, but there was an impressive spread).

While the capacity at the renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena is 7,033 - a far cry from the capacity of 47,130 at Ryan Field - we are gravely concerned that amending the current ban on commercial, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan will open the door to amending the ban on commercial, for-profit events at Ryan Field as well. And we feel strongly that the neighborhood is already at max capacity re absorbing the influx of people (and associated disturbances) from football games.

When the football home games occur a half dozen (give or take) times each year at Ryan Field, we adjust to the crowds, the traffic congestion, the lack of parking on our street and neighboring streets, the noise, the intoxicated people (many of whom are clearly underage or barely of age), the ensuing litter/vomit/what have you. Envision having the entire suburb of Glenview (minus about 500 people) suddenly descend upon our neighborhood all at once, looking to have a good time, and you have a pretty good picture of a Northwestern football game day in Evanston. This summer and the previous summer, Space has put on a wonderful concert series - Out of Space - at Canal Shores (as well as Temperance). The inaugural Canal Shores concerts last summer capped at 2,500, This summer, they expanded to 4,000, It felt a bit crowded at this year's events, but I be the first to admit that the increase was hardly felt in terms of impact to the neighborhood. I think it's important to note that Space knows its audience quite well. The kinds of acts they bring to their venue in downtown Evanston, as well as to the Out of Space concert series, (at risk of sounding age-ist) are kind of generational - they appeal to an older crowd. Space is not attempting to create Lollapalooza or Riot Fest in our backyard. Almost everyone in attendance was from Evanston and either walked or biked to the event.

Another point of reference: Ravinia is very careful about protecting the neighborhood surrounding the Ravinia grounds before, during and after events. They set up barricades and station people by these barricades to deter people from parking in the neighborhood. If Northwestern approached the neighborhood with a plan similar to this (or, frankly, any plan for crowd control, or offerings that would take a baby step towards giving back to Evanston - such as an endowment for D65, funds to renovate the area playgrounds, programs matching NU athletes with at-risk youth in the community, and on and on and on), we might be engaging in a conversation rather than standing in opposition.

If the kind of events slated for Welsh-Ryan are along the lines of Chicago Ideas Week, or Michelle Obama'a book tour, for example, I believe the area residents might be much more amenable. As there hasn't been any communication regarding the projected events, the neighborhood buzz revolves around envisioning our quiet neighborhood turning into a Wrigleyville North of sorts (worth noting that seating capacity at Ryan Field exceeds that of Wrigley Field - in the event that the amendment expands to include Ryan Field).

Northwestern is a machine. Their "We Will" campaign has raised $4.06 billion to date Their endowment stands at $9.8 billion. Do they truly need additional funding from concerts at Welsh-Ryan?

In the meantime, I am putting in a late, but heartfelt ask, to please vote no to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Kim Sagami

August 28, 2019

19PLND-0032 (Special Events in the U2 District)

Please include these comments as part of the record.

I am not opposed to there being pro or commercial events in a U district from time to time. Those are not really distinct In nature and kind from what occurs on universities normally. Major college sports are, sadly, barely distinguishable from pro sports, much as we might like them to be. As to concerts, universities (or student groups) inviting professional performers to campus to perform on campus. I.e.. concerts. Is also standard fare for universities throughout the country and has been since before Woodstock, if not forever. It has occurred at the arena in the district in question. I personally attended such events decades ago. So the arguments that the world win end if, say, old Crow Medicine Show (or even Taylor Swift) plays Welsh-Ryan, or if it hosts a tennis tournament, are inaccurate.

But:

I am apposed lo such events occurring without City control, i.e., thru the blank check of a zoning change, which eliminates the check and balance of community input as well as notice. Special use is a proper control. An undefined "multiday" event — Lollapalooza North? — is likewise inappropriate without a special use permit.

Commercial use should not be be considered part of the as-of-right definition of a tax-exempt "U' district without an accompanying change in the taxable nature of the land. The legal arguments by others that this should be a map amendment rather than text amendment is also well-taken. Failure to respect that will lead to unnecessary City litigation.

Finally, I respect the arguments of the local businesses.

Thus I oppose the amendment and the Commission should reject it.

Jeff Smith

August 28, 2019

Subject: Please, No for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 7th Ward homeowner, resident, and parent of 3 school-aged children. I am writing to let you know that I strongly oppose granting Northwestern University's request lo allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena. My wife and I chose Evanston to raise our family tor its sense of community. Its family-friendly environs, its diversity, and its social consciousness.

Being just down the street from Welsh-Ryan Area and Ryan Field, several times a year we gel a taste of how large events can take over our neighborhood, turning It into a Wrigleyview of the North. The street parking becomes jammed. Event-goers fill ow garbage cans with trash and use our alleys for their bathroom. Night games at either facility inevitably leads to loud and brash behavior by attendees just outside our windows, late into the evening while my children are trying to sleep.

This kind of temporary neighborhood transformation is tolerable for the limited calendar of Northwestern sporting events and something we accepted we would live with when we purchased our home. However, 1 never intended to move in next door to a multi-use stadium facility that I fear mil fill my neighborhood streets with traffic and unruly behavior on a much more regular basis.

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Thank you for considering the views of the community surrounding Welsh-Ryan and Ryan Field.

Sincerely,

Chad Verly

Aug 28, 2019

Dear M.M. Jones,

I am a 7^th Ward resident and grandparent of school aged children and I strongly oppose granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

I love our neighborhood as it is now, homey and local, peaceful and relatively quiet and feel strongly that allowing Northwestern University to introduce non-collegiate, for profit-events in this area will destroy all the qualities of the area that make it such a wonderful and safe place to be.

Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events at Welsh Ryan Arena.

Sincerely,

Judith Hendershot

September 4, 2019

To the City Council and the Plan Commission

I'm not sure why added tax revenue to the City's coffers would be put ahead of the concerns of 7th ward residents regarding added events and different zoning at McGaw and Ryan Field (which would ultimately happen if the zoning is changed.) Northwestern has already stated their intention to maximize revenue.

There is no way they will stop at events at McGaw only.

The large events that already happen, which I am fine with because it's just a few, literally stop cars in their tracks. The streets cannot handle a large influx of cars to the neighborhood, therefore making it very hard for the residents of the neighborhood to accommodate visitors, park their own cars, get out to the grocery store, train, hospital, doctors appointments, business meetings, errands, childcare duties, etc. (not to mention children who live in the neighborhood just riding their bikes or playing in the neighborhood.

This is a quiet residential neighborhood. I don't want to see our suburban neighborhood turn into Wrigleyville and I know many others feel the same way. This would not be a desireable feature in the neighborhood. I understand that the city needs revenue sources but it doesn't seem right to burden a particular neighborhood in this way.

It has seemed that the City has always been FOR this zoning change and is not really listening to the residents who speak words the City does not want to hear. This is not a great example of democracy in action. Rather, it smacks of MONEY TALKS. Is this who we are?

Please say NO to PRO, NO to rezoning, NO to Northwestern. This battle should not have to be fought again and again and again. (I lived here for the Virginia Slims battle.) I value the peace and quiet of this neighborhood. Please don't let it be changed in a way that can never be reversed. It is not worth it.

Best,

Jill Schacter

The Central Street Neighbors Association opposes NU's proposal

September 5, 2019

Dear Chairperson and members of the Plan Commission,

At last night's Board meeting of the Central Street Neighbors Association, the Board voted to oppose the Northwestern Text Amendment change that is coming before the Commission on September 11th.

As written, we believe the change would result in inadequate oversight of these special events by the Evanston City Council. In our opinion, a special use permit would be the preferred method to achieve what the University is seeking.

Additionally, as written, the changes do not adequately address the traffic and parking issues for events held in the U2 zone.

Thank you,

Mark Sloane

President Central Street Neighbors Association

Fri, Sep 6, 2019

To the City Council and Plan Commission,

re. Proposed zoning ordinance text amendment pursuant to City Code Title 6, Zoning, to section 6-15-7-12 of the zoning ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 District

I am writing to you as a 14 year 7th Ward resident and parent of school-aged children. I am strongly opposed to granting Northwestern University’s request to allow non-collegiate, for-profit events in the Welsh-Ryan Arena and surrounding structures. I am writing also as a previous resident of other Big 10 communities which include: Madison, Wisconsin, Iowa City, Iowa, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and now Evanston, Illinois. By far the most contentious and least cooperative relationship between city and university is here between Northwestern University and the city of Evanston. There is a long history of actions by the university which were suspect and not transparent. As a result, the request for a zoning amendment unearths deep suspicion on the ultimate goal of this request far exceeding their stated purpose.

I would like to make it clear that I am not writing in opposition to the city finding alternate ways to generate revenue. However, the zoning ordinance text amendment has direct negative impacts to the residents living in close proximity the NU property. The parcel in question is bordered on all four sides by neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include residents of all ages seeking to enjoy their streets, sidewalks, and parks with a known and acceptable noise level, traffic pattern and visitor to resident ratio. A change in zoning dramatically impacts the quality of life for city residents and poses safety challenges with crowds, and possible introduction of alcohol under separate topic. The zoning restrictions provide the tax paying residents some degree of certainty in trusting the manner of use of the land around their owned property.

There are no benefits to cite that offset the negative impacts on the Evanston neighbors. Please vote NO to amend the ban on commercial for-profit events in our neighborhood for the following reasons:

· Parcel in question borders neighborhoods on all four sides

· Other Northwestern owned property which is not bordered by neighborhoods on all sides should instead be explored (Lakefront property possibly?)

· The language of their proposal does not specifically identify Welsh-Ryan Arena and opens a risky precedent for larger events at other venues such as Ryan Field.

· The language in their proposed amendment asks for a two year trial period which does not allow for resident /public comment after the two year period.

· A plethora of entertainment options already exist for Evanston residents:

· City Centers theatre productions

· Evanston SPACE music events

· Chandler Lawn events

· Northwestern theatre events

· Evanston ROCKS

· Mudlark Theatre

· ETHS Theatre

· ETHS music concerts

· Evanston Symphony

· Northwestern symphony events

· Chicago in close proximity

· Ravinia in close proximity

· Concerts in the parks

· Seasonal festivals

If you choose to support the change in the zoning ordinance, then please be prepared to explain why you voted differently than your predecessors on this immensely important matter.

Kind regards,

Christina Brandt

September 8, 2019

Subject : permitted uses of Welsh-Ryan Arena

Dear Alderman:

After attending one of Northwestern University’s community meetings to present its arguments for (i) revising permitted uses of the U2 University Athletic Facilities District to allow for-profit and commercial, non-academic uses of its Welsh Ryan facility and (ii) an (associated) liquor license, I am writing to state that I am against both requests from the University and hope you will approve neither of them.

Cost/benefit considerations suggest that Evanston and its residents (as well as some in Wilmette) would bear the varied and detrimental costs and side effects of allowing commercial use of the arena while the University would reap financial benefits much in excess of what it would compensate Evanston for. The potential for some additional revenue to COE from entertainment taxes would pale relative to the disruption to and diminution of the quality of life in the City. Indeed, some of the "pro" arguments presented by Northwestern's staff for changing permitted uses of the arena seemed rather specious and questionable, as pointed out by speakers such as those from Central Street Neighborhood Association and from various neighborhoods (not just those contingent to the arena).

While a desire to foster respectful and cordial relations between COE and Northwester is understandable, this desire should not be extended to allow Northwestern to use the arena and/or stadium for events beyond those currently undertaken there. It’s understandable that the University seeks to address some of its budget shortfalls by undertaking for-profit use of its sports facilities. However, it doesn’t fall to the City of Evanston to solve Northwestern’s financial pinch by compromising the quality of life for its residents and the character of the city along the lines that are proposed.

Sincerely, Joan Schneider ( Evanston)

September 9, 2019

Eleanor and Evanston Council members,

Please support our request NOT to allow zoning changes for NU or alcohol sales or rights for additional events. I've lived here sine 1975 and have lived through countless tries by NU to expand their footprint. I'm only a block from the stadium so no matter what NU provides for parking my block fills up with cars of people attending their events. Those of us who live here have to park illegally in our alleys, often blocking other garages. We can hear their loud speakers through closed windows. They leave litter all over our front yards. It is impossible to drive around and shop in the neighborhood. Their footprint and negative impact has increased exponentially in the time we've lived here. They should be able to make do on all the money they already have or beg some new money from donors. Rumors here are that city council favors NU, some wondering when Evanston will be renamed Northwestern. Pease don't trade our nice neighborhood for a few additional dollars of liquor or sales tax. PLEASE vote to protect our neighborhood.

Thank you.

Barbara Zapszalka

*******

September 11, 2019

Subject: Re: NU

Barbara —

Thank you for your email. Your concerns about NU’s proposed zoning amendment are shared by the overwhelming majority of area neighbors I have heard from thus far. I do not support the proposal, and I will work to impress upon my Council colleagues the importance of maintaining the integrity and quality of life in all of our neighborhoods.

Eleanor

September 16, 2019

Subject: To the City Council, Re: City Code Title 6, Zoning, to Section 6-15-7-2 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 University Athletic Facilities District

To the City Council,

Re: City Code Title 6, Zoning, to Section 6-15-7-2 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise permitted uses of the U2 University Athletic Facilities District

I am writing to express concern regarding the NU text amendment currently being reviewed by the city council.

The threshold to change any zoning ordinance should be immense and require the highest scrutiny from this council and its planning commission. Zoning is critical for homeowners as it impacts neighborhood integrity, quality of life, as well as property value. The amendment process thus far has failed to meet the standards to allow changes to zoning.

As a resident of Evanston, I am writing to request a negative vote on the proposed NU text amendment. At a minimum, please require impartial impact studies to learn the safely, traffic, and economic impacts of the proposal to open NU venues to FOR PROFIT and PROFESSIONAL events.

Respectfully,

Emily Hoffman

9/17/2019

Subject : U2 Zoning Text Amendment (PLEASE READ)

To: Evanston Mayor, Evanston Alderpersons, Evanston City Clerk

Thank you for listening to my public comments at City Council meeting on September 16 (yesterday). I am one of the persons who spoke about the impact of the proposed text amendment for the U2 zoning district on the nearby residential neighborhood.

My public comments yesterday were actually a quick overview of an 11-minute, fact-based PowerPoint slide presentation that I gave at the Plan Commission hearing on September 11. After I finished my comments yesterday, the City Clerk should have provided you with a color copy of the PowerPoint slides. This presentation is the culmination of hundreds of hours of research. It provides factual data and analysis that overwhelmingly shows why the proposed zoning amendment is incompatible with the nearby residential neighborhood. As you heard yesterday from multiple commenters, Northwestern has not provided reliable data or credible analysis to support the proposed amendment. In fact, the information that they provided has been vague, misleading, or outrageously inaccurate (e.g. change in the number of sold-out events, claimed vs actual number of parking spaces). My presentation provides a full explanation.

I realize that you try to make informed decisions based on the information provided to you. That’s why I am sharing the YouTube link to the 11-minute presentation itself. (Yesterday, I compressed a lot of analysis and details, so I want to be sure that you have the benefit of my scripted message to the Plan Commission.).

https://youtu.be/HpKBwOWz08M

I only ask that you please take a look at the attached video link. I hope that you find it helpful. Then, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you at the next City Council meeting.

Respectfully, Ken Proskie

September 18, 2019

Subject : Change in U2 Zoning

Dear Mayor Hagerty,

Many of us who attended the Plan Commission hearing on September 11 were astounded that the well-developed and well-supported presentations from the neighborhood did not convince the Planning and Development Committee to adhere to their stated mission to “preserve the quality and integrity of residential areas” and not to “ create an environment that will be incompatible with the residential area.”

To give the committee credit, one of the members proposed several amendments that offer the neighbors some protection. He proposed adding amendments forbidding tailgating and loitering at any of these events, limiting the events to “outdoor,” and limiting the sunset clause. But these amendments don’t go far enough.

The proposal to allow six new indoor one-day events and a seventh multi-day event, each attracting up to 7000 attendees, presents a Pandora’s box of problems. The nature of the events is vague and undefined, and the range of hours proposed, from 6:30am to 11:30pm, is fraught with concerns of misuse and is outrageously inconsistent with the nature and values of a residential community.

We, as well as others in the neighborhood, were not naïve when we moved here. We understand that football games and men’s basketball games draw large crowds, and we enjoy the high energy of the football games and the success of the basketball teams. However, when we bought our house in 1988, there were 5 home football games and 12 home men’s basketball games. Now there are 7 football games and 18 basketball games, an increase of nearly 50%. The new proposal for commercial use of these facilities will not only increase the percentage of high-attendance events but also attract a different and unfamiliar audience that could have a much greater impact on the character of the neighborhood. Those who reside here know it takes planning for residents to negotiate the congested streets and the parking woes associated with football games, men’s basketball games, graduations and other events that attract over 4000 attendees. The problem comes from not enough parking in the parking lots and the fact that, other than Central Street, there are no major arteries for attendees to use to come to or exit from the area. For all events except football games, Asbury traffic, with parking on both sides of the street, shares one lane for both northbound and southbound traffic. One day it took my husband, not knowing when graduation let out, ten minutes to drive two blocks from Livingston to Central on Asbury. The proposed additional events would increase the number of high-attendance events by more than 50%, clogging our narrow streets, leaving no residential parking, and making residential access difficult.

Sadly, we do not trust that Northwestern is truly concerned about the quality of our residential neighborhood. Our house, on the northeast side of the stadium parking lot, is separated from the parking lot by a 36-inch chain link fence and landscaping which we planted on our side of the fence for more privacy. Fans smoke and tailgate next to the fence, right outside our back door. Northwestern has refused to renovate the parking lot to make it consistent with current code requiring a fence with a 35-foot setback as well as the landscaping, adequate lighting, and protection against flooding afforded to the western parking lot. We fear that Northwestern will use its power to make even more changes later on that will allow the proposed commercial enterprise to further encroach upon our family-centered neighborhood.

I realize that Evanston needs funding for many of its worthwhile programs. But how much will this proposal add to Evanston’s coffers? Northwestern’s representatives have asserted that the city will benefit financially from these changes, stating that Evanston can expect to receive $300,000-$600,000 from ticket sales for the additional events—a figure they later admitted was an over-estimation. The City of Evanston website states that in 2018 the city’s total general revenue was nearly $115 million. A simple calculation shows that under this proposal the city will receive an increase in revenue of between roughly one quarter of one percent, to roughly one half of one percent from ticket sales. The neighborhood is being asked to pay a high price for such a trivial return.

This proposal is ill-conceived and has serious implications for the 520 single-family homes and the 21 multi-family homes within 1000 feet of the U2 zoning district. Please vote no to the proposal and yes to the preservation of the residential character of our community.

Sincerely,

Margaret Forst

September 24, 2019

To the city council,

I am disappointed that the issue of hosting pro events at the NU arena hasn’t already been put to rest with a no from the planning commission. This is a clear no-win for Evanston residents and yet, here I am writing again to reiterate the points I made in a previous note. Ahead of the below I want to thank you for reading through my concerns. I truly appreciate you empathizing with what I'm relaying.

Since the football season started I now feel even more sure that this measure to open up allowance to professional events will be harmful to the central street neighborhood and ecosystem. On days of events my two young sons (ages 1 and 3) have to stay inside for fear of being caught in the mix of bad traffic, rude passersby (sometimes drunk) and our backyard isn’t a haven from the hubbub and noise of the events. The noise pollution is hitting severe limits wherein the game days themselves are yes, the obviously painful issue. More than the game or events days, however, is that the block of buildings is perpetually receiving deliveries, having repairs done. This summer we could hardly have our windows open for the beep beep beeping of trucks in reverse be it from deliveries, construction and repairs or whatever. There are few moments of true neighborhood peace and that stems from existing activity that would increase with more events. I have been in touch with NU officials who make me feel plenty heard, but fail to act in any way of impact.

We've been here 2.5 years and even in that short window we've seen the disruption increase over time. It's been disappointing to say the least.

I know there is some who say that we chose to live by a stadium and so this is what comes with that but that doesn’t mean that we want to sit by while the amount of activity not only increases in numbers but also increases in terms of the wide array of audiences we can expect visiting our neighborhood. I don’t see the value to the community as much as I see NU attempting to pump more revenue for themselves by way of increasing utilization of their athletic spaces. I understand this concept as a woman in business but NU is not a business in the corporate sense. Especially with all of NU’s other options in real estate, the selection of a property that is surrounded on all sides by homes and children seems a misfit relative to the ecosystem that keeps this neighborhood alive all days of the year.

I moved to the area for the walkability and livability but the truth is that these aspects become much less possible in the wake of turning the complex into an entertainment district of sorts. There are times and places for all things and I worry about the safety of my kids and the general feel of the neighborhood that already sustains traffic congestion and immense noise on days of events.

As a note, I saw an ambulance struggle to get through to the hospital on Saturday and that was as a result of the congestion of traffic. It pains me to think that sort of thing would happen more regularly with inevitable traffic to Central street for these events. It literally hurt my heart to see it in real time as I was on a walk with my boys.

Please listen to us, your neighbors, as we continue to say that enough is enough. We don’t see the upside of value to outweighs the seismic change in the environment and the standard we’ve set for our community at large.

Thanks for your time and for reading this. I hope you’ll vote no to allowing professional events at the athletic campus.

Lindsay Verstegen

The following letter is also included in Golf Course Parking and Tailgating

Date: October 2, 2019

Subject: Objection to U2 Zoning Amendment - for inclusion in packet

Mayor Hagerty, Clerk Reid, and Members of the City Council:

Several years ago, Northwestern University piloted football parking on the greens of Canal Shores Golf Course by Bryant Avenue. When neighbors expressed concern about the idea and suggested the problems that would result from tailgating at the course in a residential neighborhood, NU assured us there were no plans to allow tailgates at Canal Shores. Three years ago, despite those assurances, tailgating began; Northwestern said, "Let's see how it goes." Now, tailgating on the greens is established and expanded, despite feedback from neighbors that things were not going well. Garbage on the streets and parkways, disorderly conduct, and reckless driving are now a regular gameday occurrences on a small residential street with many young children.

Situations such as this embody the reasons why many people in the neighborhood, such as my family, are opposed to the NU zoning text amendment that would allow professional events to take place at the athletic complex. In my 15 years living in the neighborhood, when given an inch and saying they will go no further, NU has taken a mile and used the inch as precedent to take the mile. The fact that NU said they would not do something (tailgate) and then did it only a few years later makes many neighbors very skeptical of the assurances NU has given about expanding to professional events at the stadium. They have not acted as a trustworthy neighbor and are now seeking a privilege, unearned, that has significant potential to change the neighborhood by bringing additional events into the athletic complex. What has happened at the tailgates seems like only a prelude to what will come if the City Council approves the text amendment. Guests of the university use a residential neighborhood as a personal playground with no regard to the safety, cleanliness and quiet of the neighborhood. We moved to and accepted the risk of the 6 football games a year when we bought our home. We did not bargain for the additional items and events that have been added on since then.

I have been a resident of Evanston for the better part of the last 25 years and a proud Northwestern alumna for nearly 20 years. I am very disappointed in Northwestern's actions seeking the amendment. I strongly urge the Council to reject the amendment when it is presented.

Sincerely,

Carrie Von Hoff

The following three letters are from the same household

August 20, 2019

Subject: Please vote "NO" on the proposed text amendment change for the U2 district

To All Members of The Planning Commission:

I am writing in protest against Northwestern University’s request to U2 Rezoning for Welsh Ryan Arena (and possibly Ryan Stadium in the future). We live at the corner of Asbury Ave and Livingston for 27 years which is 3 houses away from the east parking lot of Welsh Ryan Arena and Ryan Stadium.

Over the years from NU increased athletic events we have seen the substantial increase flow of cars and people traffic throughout our neighborhood. This has added parking problems, congestion and noise levels at ALL times of the day and NIGHT. When we moved to this neighborhood we knew of the football and basketball games (I'm a 26 year season football holder). But since then it’s been a constant increase in sporting events. From a new baseball and softball field with lights shining into the late night hours to LOUD noises coming from the public speaker to high school graduations, Midland wrestling tournament, sporting camps and more, it just doesn’t stop. There has also been constant construction noise and inconvenience over the past 5 years since they updated their facilities.

If Northwestern rezones it will bring masses of people into our neighborhood which we DON’T want. This is a residential neighborhood with families, zoned for peace and quiet. We have witnessed sporting fans being disrespectful to our neighborhood with their litter on our lawns & streets and many times relieving themselves in the alleys or our properties.

Our streets are narrow and CANNOT handle 2-way traffic. NU says it has a possible 2,000 parking spaces. Well, an event with 7,000 people can bring in 5,000 cars! Where do you park them? We have 6 parking spaces on our little one-sided parking street and 17 car owners on Livingston. Asbury Ave, the main thoroughfare between Isabella and Central is the same way, with cars jamming both sides of the street, preventing Fire Trucks and paramedic vehicles to through passage.(which we have also witnessed numerous times) It's a disaster waiting to happen!! How many of these POSSIBLE NU parking spaces are really available to the public?

Please do not grant Northwestern a rezoning amendment!!! They are not good neighbors.

Sincerely,

Don & Darcy Golas

Date: October 4, 2019

Subject: NO to Northwestern U2 Rezoning

Dear City Council,

We are Against Northwestern University’s request to U2 Rezoning for Welsh Ryan Arena & Ryan Stadium athletic campus.

We live at the corner of Asbury Ave and Livingston for 26 years which is 3 houses away from the east parking lot of Welsh Ryan Arena and Ryan Stadium. We’ve paid over $200,000 in property Taxes . NU has paid nothing.There are 715 houses that surround the Welsh Ryan Complex.

If Northwestern rezones it will bring massive congestion into our neighborhood which we can’t absorb and DON’T want. This is a Residential neighborhood with families of young children, zoned for peace and quiet. Our block has dozens of kids 12 and under!

We have witnessed sporting fans being disrespectful to our neighborhood with their litter on our lawns & streets and many times relieving themselves in the alleys or our properties.

Our streets are VERY NARROW and CANNOT handle 2-way traffic. NU says it has a 1349 parking spaces. Well, an event with 7,000 people can bring in 5,000 cars! Where do you park them? We have only 6 parking spaces on our little street and 17 car owners. Asbury Ave, the main thoroughfare between Isabella and Central is the same way, with cars jamming both sides of the street, preventing FIRE TRUCKS and PARAMEDIC vehicles thorough passage. I have a video where the Hook and Latter fire truck could not make it down Asbury Ave. and had to back up and go down Central street. This is a fire disaster waiting to happen!! These possible NU parking spaces are grossly inadequate. Traffic and parking congestion are unreasonable and disruptive hardships on the neighborhood and many local businesses. Visitors block normal traffic flow on the few main streets, Central, Dempster and Sheridan Road while others use our streets and alleys to bypass congestion, park on our streets and litter as they go along.

• 1. Large events like football and men’s basketball cause massive traffic and parking problems. We have put up with this for the sake of college athletics…..(we’ve been season ticket holders for 26 years). But professional sports and big concerts are very different kinds of events—they don’t serve NU’s educational mission. These events are only to make NU more money. They don’t belong in the heart of a residential neighborhood full of kids and families.

  2. NU’s athletics program alone brought in over $93 million last year. These amendments would let NU go into the commercial entertainment business and keep more food/drink dollars inside its athletic complex. It would compete with local Evanston businesses, with a huge unfair advantage—unlike local businesses, NU doesn’t pay any property taxes.

  3. NU points to the taxes that would be paid on ticket sales, but the revenue would be small—and likely not enough to offset the costs the City and Local businesses will incur. There are no limits on the kinds of events NU could hold if these amendments pass….. Circuses to Motocross Racing!

  4. Most organizations that seek zoning changes MUST submit detailed traffic, transportation, parking, safety, and economic benefits studies. NU has not done any studies, nor presented any credible evidence to show how they will prevent adverse effects on neighboring streets or property.

  5. Serving Alcohol will also add a whole other layer of problems. Studies show that on average 8% of people leaving sports events where liquor is served have blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. We Have witnessed this firsthand. At events of 7000 people, that’s more than 500 drunk people driving or walking around our neighborhoods. We don’t want our children witnessing this type of behavior.

PLEASE! , DO NOT grant Northwestern a rezoning amendment if you really care about the residents of Evanston and their well-being! You saved Harley Clark Mansion that no one uses, why not save us, we’re real people with real concerns. I hope you will vote for the Evanston residents and NOT NORTHWESTERN!

Sincerely,

Don & Darcy Golas

Date: October 4, 2019

Subject: NO! NU U2 Rezoning Amendment

To The City Council,

My name is Darcy Golas, my husband and I have lived in Evanston for over 26 years, on the corner of Asbury and Livingston. We live directly east of Ryan Field and Welsh Ryan Arena living 3 houses from the east Ryan parking lot. Our dead end street has an access path that GOES DIRECTLY INTO THE PARKING LOT and both the stadium and the arena. (There is a steady stream of people accessing this path on any given game day or graduation)

We are COMPLETELY OPPOSED TO THE NU U2 REZONING AMENDMENT that will allow PROFESSIONAL EVENTS within Northwestern's Athletic Campus. We knew there were football and basketball games when we first moved into our neighborhood, BUT the current activity of collegiate events has increased dramatically since 1993. We already feel like we live in a rapidly changing different neighborhood. Now with the threat of allowing NU to have 7 Pro events ,which is really 13 days total, our quality of life in this residential neighbor hood is threatened and will be changed forever with such negative impact.

Currently we feel we already live with Northwestern athletic activities full time. There are now over 100 sporting events - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Wrestling. Plus outdoor sports practice, summer sports camps, grade school sports events, band practice, NU graduations & 3 High School graduations. Over the past 5 years there has been construction renovating the various athletic facilities which impacted the neighborhood with pollution, noise and truck congestion.

This is a residential neighborhood that borders NU’s athletic facilities on all sides. Asbury, Central, Eastwood, Isabella streets are all lined with homes and apartments. The streets beyond these four streets are all residential homes for blocks and blocks. There are 700 plus homes surrounding this area. There are NO businesses adjacent to this Athletic campus except for Mustard’s and an athletic gear shop. This is a RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN NOT BUSINESSES! THAT”S WHY WE LIVE HERE !!!

These Pro Events will bring major neighborhood issues concerning Safety & Security, Traffic, Parking, Neighborhood Congestion, Noise, Property Disrespect.

1. Safety & Security/Disrespect - who will protect our neighborhoods during these 7 Pro events? During football and basketball games the only visible police presence is around the stadium monitoring traffic Central St @ few of the cross streets and making sure no cars are parked illegally pre-game. Otherwise we DO NOT feel any police presence. During current sports events we witness people littering our yards and urinating on our properties and alleys. Concerts which are very different events will bring crowds of people that will even have less respect for neighborhood.

2. Traffic, Parking, Congestion - football and men’s basketball already causes insane traffic and parking problems. Residents put up with this for the sake of college athletics, BUT the professional sports and big concerts are very different events. Traffic delays and congestion will become more unreasonable with disruptive hardships. Driving in our neighborhood becomes impossible to maneuver, our streets are too narrow, our main thoroughfares Central St & Isabella are also one lane in each direction. You can’t get out, gridlock becomes common and once again the Police do not monitor traffic on any of these streets! Parking is allowed on both sides of the streets during current events except for football games. Parking becomes challenging for the residents, people attending events would rather street park for faster exit than a parking lot. It’s taken me 20 minutes just to drive 2 blocks down Asbury to my home during basketball games. We have witnessed Fire trucks & Paramedics having to back up down Asbury because they can’t get through the street. How dangerous is that!!?? A FIRE EMERGENCY DISASTER!!!

3. Noise - during sporting events there is noise whether day or night event, with loud music and scoreboards shining into our homes. Pro events will bring even more noise especially with the hours NU is requesting to hold these Pro Events - 7am - 10/11pm - plus 1/2 hour set up & clean up. So NOISE could last 13- 14 hours if they wish with 7,000 people. Is that what we really want to subject this neighborhood to? Or early morning events with no respect for the surrounding neighborhood. Indoors or Outdoors !

The NU U2 rezoning does not serve NU’s educational mission. These Pro events are only an aggressive money grab for NU to make more money. NU is already one of the wealthiest universities in the country with an endowment of over $12 billion according to it’s 2018 annual report. Its athletics brought in over $93 million last year.

These amendments would let NU go into commercial entertainment and keep more food/drink inside its athletic complex. This competes with local Evanston businesses, a huge unfair advantage. Unlike local businesses NU DOESN'T PAY ANY PROPERTY TAXES!!! HOW CAN EVANSTON EVEN THINK ABOUT NU TURNING A PROFIT on the neighborhood’s expense.

There are NO LIMITS on the kind of events NU could hold if these amendments pass.The "city approval" process for Pro events is mostly just a review of logistics and permits by the City staff. This feels too limitless and there should be guidelines.

NU points to taxes that would; be paid on ticket sales, BUT THE REVENUE WOULD BE SMALL and likely not enough to offset costs the city and local businesses will incur. Economists in the end say about $200,000 per year for all 13 events of events combined. It’s not NU paying those ticket taxes, it’s the people buying the tickets.

NU HAS NOT DONE ANY IMPACT STUDIES on traffic, parking, safety, home property decreases and economic benefits. (Just a chamber of commerce poll in downtown Evanston randomly questioning shoppers.)

AND if this amendment is passed NU will immediately ask for alcohol to be served at all 13 events. Studies show that on average 8% of people leaving sports events where liquor is served have blood levels above the legal limit. That’s more than 500 drunk people, pouring into our neighborhoods and driving on our streets. This is ANOTHER DISASTER!

So I ask the question how can Evanston allow Northwestern to have Professional events in the HEART OF A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF FAMILIES AND CHILDREN. Residents who are proud and love their neighborhood. Residents who love living in Evanston. Evanston residents deserve a QUALITY OF LIFE when they come home each day to peace and quiet, where they can raise their families safely. As honest property tax paying residents aren’t we more important to Evanston than Northwestern who has not been a good neighbor to us or the city.

I ask you in good faith, PLEASE, DO NOT VOTE FOR the NU U2 REZONING !

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Darcy Golas

October 9, 2019

To the City Council & the Plan Commission

Please do not let NU remove words “nonprofit & amateur from the Evanston-zoning ordinance governing the U-2 district.

I am 100% AGAINST NU having temporary events.

I do NOT want my neighborhood to look like Wrigley or Rosemont Horizon.

PLEASE, PLEASE SAY NO TO NU

Thank you

Janet LeVine

October 11, 2019

Subject: NU's Zoning Text Amendnnent - Evolution of our Neighborhood

Hello City of Evanston Aldermen/women,

My name is Julie Jensen. I live at [address] (just West of Canal Shores Golf Course). I am writing you today asking for your opposition to NU's Zoning Text Amendment request.

My husband and I bought our home in 1996. We loved our neighborhood so much that in 2001 we added on as our family grew. We have always loved the vibrancy the NU home football games bring to the area. I am a Realtor and when asked about our proximity to the athletic complex, I am not shy about sharing this love. But recently, there's been so much added vibrancy to the neighborhood that it's beginning to feel a bit like a circus. Here are my current experiences:

Game day parking on the 12th Hole What began as a much needed fundraising effort for Canal Shores, with no tailgating, has turned into a profit center for NU (with tailgating) and MWRD, with no benefit to the golf course. And, certainly no benefit to the neighborhood. It seems the precedent is set, when NU gets an inch they take a yard.

Out of Space at Canal Shores

Love it, but don't need 7 more events nearby at NU. After the August 9th Cake show, I watched a DUI happen in-front of my neighbor's house. Out of support for Canal Shores, the neighborhood rallies for these shows. But now, after MWRD stepped in, I'm not sure if the golf course even gets much benefit. NU certainly doesn't need the revenue of more events at their Sports Complex.

The Patio at the American Legion

Love it, happy to help support the Legion. But again, another added attraction with alcohol. And, they too bring in live musicians that play outdoors into the night. As I type this, there is music coming from the Patio

Lots of change has already happened in our small neighborhood sandwiched between the athletic complex and the canal. At the end of the day, I'm all for propping up the underdogs (Canal Shores and American Legion) but see no reason NU needs to change the already vibrant fabric of our community for their financial benefit. This is not Wrigleyville or Ravinia.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Julie Jensen ~ Baird & Warner

Below: An issue of aggravating noise emanating from the U2 , too early in the morning

October 15, 2019 6:19 AM

Subject: ENOUGH

Dave,

It's 6AM and the beeping has started. I would never be happy with any kind of neighbor who chose to disregard basic consideration with regard to noise and yet here we are again, tolerating the noise pollution at an ungodly hour.

That lift/crane was back in action this morning and I actually put on shoes and left my house to confirm it. What could possibly need to be done at 6AM? It's bad enough that we deal with more noise every day we live here but at 6AM? Who runs facilities over at the athletic complexes? Can I talk to them directly because the lacking consideration is becoming downright maddening.

Lindsay

Oct 15 at 1:21 PM

Lindsay Verstegen to Yvi Russell,Mary Rosinski, Mark Rosati

FYI - the existing ecosystem is out of whack. I have yet to hear back from Dave or Eleanor and this is why I'm so livid about being asked to allow EVEN MORE action. I had to send this at 6AM this morning.

Harrumph.

From Dave:

Dear Lindsay,

We did not authorize the work to take place at this hour, and we have since spoken with the vendor to let them know that they must adhere to the City’s noise ordinance.

My sincere apologies for this convenience and this should not happen again.

Dave D. Davis

Answer by Lindsay:

Thank you for your consideration.

-Lindsay

October 16, 2019

Hello there,

I wanted to follow up with the latest and greatest breakdown in the existing ecosystem of our nook of Evanston. Ridiculously, I had to send the following note yesterday early AM when the disruption that comes with the existing action on that part of campus pierced through the early morning air. What I'm worried about is that even without additional events, the respect is inconsistent and, ultimately, is difficult to manage for the staff there today. Surely with additional activities, the preparation of the space will disrupt what is less and less a peaceful part of town.

Please vote NO.

When we try to get care and consideration we are met with "oh we don't know what this is about" and a "this won't happen again" but it happens again and again. I am deeply worried about this ecosystem continuing to shift toward imbalance. And that it will radically shift the course for what we can sustain.

I assure you that as a former Chicago-city dweller I am not sensitive to a normal level of noise and action. That said, there are many times that I actually believe Edgewater in Chicago was more peaceful than our nook of the ward.

Lindsay Verstegen

October 17, 2019

Subject : NU Football Game - Friday October 18, 2019 Attachment : Oct. 18 Football Game .pdf;image001.jpg;image002.png;image003.png;image004.png;

Hello Neighbors and Alder People,.

I just want to give you a little feel of what Central Street businesses do to prepare for game days, (see email below) & From the schools -attached

Every day the neighborhoods around the U2 district have: 1) the usual 1,000s of cars f and traffic of commuter, business, hospital ( 3 shift changes every day), and 2) there are the 26 days (average once every other week) a year we have 7000-47,000 people coming in for and out all funneling in on one traffic artery, for the permitted Northwestern athletic events & graduations in addition to of the usual traffic, 3.) then there the other 50 days of events ranging from h a few hundred to 7000 people for other athletic events, and graduations. All of those are in compliance with the U2 educational intercollegiate, amateur etc.) We know that was there were university events when moved here although it has grown considerably in the past years.

However, as you are evaluating the consequences of changing the existing zoning which would break 50 years of zoning protection for the neighborhoods, which would be changing the current zoning use prohibiting commercial events by adding another 13 days professional and for profit events which benefit Northwestern’s bottom line, and where Evanston has historically only received less than 1.6% of total revenue generated by the events, while the surrounding neighborhoods bear the daily brunt of noise, traffic, litter, loss of enjoyment of daily life, gradual loss of property values, and which will upset strong neighborhood communities it seems that a vote in favor of NU bottom line is a vote against the residents who have been paying the taxes to keep this city running and against the idea of neighborhoods which our city acknowledges in the comprehensive plan and zoning code, are the foundation of our community.

Businesses are preparing for this disruption. This is what happens every game day the difference is that this is on a Friday. schools are closing early and when you think of the ticket tax vs disruption of multiple businesses and residents versus how NU will make millions on sponsorships and media on commercial events it gives one pause to think- who are your representing- NU or Evanston residents.

Mary O’Rourke Rosinski Coldwell Banker 1710 Central St. Evanston 640 Vernon, Glencoe

Mary

Below is the letter that was sent to Mary's and her coworkers regarding the Friday October 18 football game

October 14, 2019 at 4:32

Subject: FW: Lot 64 Closure for NWU Football Game - Friday October 18, 2019

Good afternoon Everyone,

There is a Northwestern football game this Friday against Ohio State which is usually a really big game with lots of traffic. There will be parking restrictions all day all though the game is a night game. If you have a permit to park in Lot 64 you will not be able to park in the lot at all on Friday. However, there is a map below that explains where you can & cannot park if you are a permit holder. There will probably be a lot of traffic – cars and on foot. Please see the email below that I received from the City of Evanston and let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Bernadette Cork Lead Office Administrator | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

And below is the letter from District 65 to the families of students, regarding the October 18 Football game.

Dear District 65 Families -

On Friday, October 18, the Northwestern Wildcats are hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. This game is significant in that it’s the first ​FRIDAY​ night game hosted by Northwestern in many years. This is also a scheduled day of school for District 65 students. The large influx of visitors to Evanston will likely cause an impact to student dismissal, especially for schools located in north Evanston. While the game doesn’t begin until 7:30pm, parking lots will open at 3:30pm.

District 65 is working in collaboration with the Northwestern Department of Athletics, City of Evanston, and Evanston and Northwestern Police Departments to ensure the necessary safety measures are in place. We have included a couple of important notes below:

● All schools will dismiss at the regularly scheduled time and school operations will continue as usual on this day. Afterschool childcare through the School Age Child Care program will be offered. ● We anticipate heavy traffic and congestion around the stadium and on the main streets including Green Bay Avenue and Central Street. It is likely that there may be a delay to students returning home, especially those who ride the bus. ● Travel, especially by car, may be difficult on this afternoon starting as early as 3:00pm. We encourage limiting unnecessary travel and walking/carpooling, if possible. If you pick up your child from school, please allow additional time. o Ashland between Lincoln and Central is one way northbound beginning at 5:30pm that day, It is one way northbound between Central and Isabella at approximately 3:30pm o Curbside parking restrictions on streets adjacent to Ryan Field will also in place from roughly mid-afternoon through the game. ● There will be increased police presence to help direct traffic in the impacted areas and additional crossing guards will be present.

Please know that the game schedule is developed by the Big Ten Conference and is not determined by Northwestern University. We look to receive additional updates in the coming weeks leading up to the game and will be sure to pass important information along to the community. We do apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Thank you for your understanding

Sincerely,

Andalib Khelghati Assistant Superintendent of Schools

The following email included pictures of some of the signs that residents put in front of their homes, throughout Evanston.

• SIGNS

October 24, 2019

Subject: NO U2 Rezoning!

This is what the neighborhood is saying to you and Northwestern University……..NO U2 Rezoning!

Please VOTE NO to this amendment on November 11th. Please be our voice, the residents and property tax payers, please side with us, not NU. Thank you.

Don & Darcy Golas

This following letter was sent to the Evanston Council on October 28 by a resident living close to the U2 facilities.

Hi,

I write asking you to please give serious consideration to the document submitted by the neighborhood in opposition to the zoning change to the U2 district. The burden of proof in this situation is meant to be on Northwestern, and it is shocking that they have not made any kind of comparable information available.

Saturday was homecoming. I tried biking to the farmers market with my 5 and 8 year old children. It was a mistake. They were knocked of their bikes multiple times by large groups of pedestrians who were not looking where they were going. I had two cars literally swerve around us while we were in an intersection. The couldn't be bothered to wait for kids to safely cross. We had to lock up the bikes, have mom pick us up, and have me retrieve the bikes later. The number of weekend days with nice weather each year is small. And we lose our neighborhood to football fans on a decent share of them. We already give up enough to Northwestern.

Thank you for your consideration.

October 29, 2019

Hello again,

After hearing that the zoning issue will live on it seems clear that there are two zoning codes: One for tax paying residents and one of the largest corporate entities. In addition to the behavior that is also different from one group to the other (noise violations happening in a way no other neighbor would be allowed to violate), this latest inequity between groups seems even more easy to regulate and plan for and yet, the ordinance moves to city council and I am writing to you to beg you to see the reasonable path forward here.

We want the current zoning enforced. When we moved to the neighborhood, we knew the stadium was there but did not know that the city would ever consider given a tax exempt entity the right to hold for profit events and remain tax free.

This is a slippery slope. My husband and I are thinking of leaving the neighborhood b/c of the way this has played out has shown the true loyalty and dynamics between the city and the institution. I have always seen the value of having a world-class institution like NU in our neighborhood but am weary to see the value become uneven and even dominant up against all of the other reasons Evanston shines. Let's be sure we are mindful of that delicate ecosystem of dynamics. Please, on November 11th, think of mindful citizens like me who feel there is care and consideration and boundaries that must exist to ensure all parts of the Evanston community can thrive.

Please vote no. I am tired (I am working full time and raising two young kids and doing the best I can, holding onto hope that the community we picked is right for us more long-term) and want so badly to believe that you will advocate for us, the citizens, as this zoning request heads into the final push.

Thank you,

Lindsay Verstegen

Below the Facebook posts on :

Evanston neighbors against pro sports, mega concerts at Ryan field, arena

November 4, 2019

HEY NU, SHOW YOUR WORK

If you wanted to throw a concert in your backyard for 7000 people, charge admission and serve alcohol, you would need to go before the city council and offer detailed plans. Right?

Such as: Is it consistent with current zoning; What bands are performing?; Who will attend?; How will you address safety concerns; Is there a traffic plan?; Will this negatively affect property values, etc.

Since you have the burden of proof, and you need to PROVE your case with detailed plans, testimony and thoughtful arguments of fact, not mere conclusion, your application might run into hundreds of pages.

Unless, you were Northwestern University

NU's current application is basically one page.

In fact, if you were an Urban Planning student at Northwestern, and filed this as a class example, you would rightly receive an "F" and told to "show your work".

NU's current application contains zero details: no dates of events, no names of bands or pro sports teams. No independent traffic, revenue or property value studies. No expert testimony. Nothing. Crickets.

Just a simple request: please change the zoning and overturn a fifty year ban on pro sports and for profit events within this residential neighborhood. Go Cats!

Simply put, NU's is asking for a blank check...a check when cashed will cost the city dearly in decreased property values (and corresponding tax revenue) of hundreds of homes around the Ryan complex.

Whether you agree with NU's proposal or not, they--like all of us--need to be held to the same legal standard and “show their work”.

And they have failed to meet that minimal burden.

As such, the Council should reject the proposal.

Evanston neighbors against pro sports, mega concerts at Ryan field, arena

November 7, 2019

NU: AN ADULT CHILD LIVING IN THE BASEMENT?

At times, the City of Evanston seems to be a coddling, dysfunctional parent, sheltering NU rent free in its basement, zealously believing NU can do no wrong and never wanting to make them angry

But the kid is not a kid, and NU needs to abide by the laws like everyone else.

As NU seeks to transform itself into a for-profit company, promoting concerts and pro sports at the Ryan complex, many within City government seem eager to genuflect to make it so, while the rest of Evanston continues to subsidize NU’s failure to pay any property taxes.

Lured by illusory revenue projections, many City staff and aldermen, have bent over backwards to guide NU’s request to a receptive council vote. But in the City’s eagerness to expedite and approve NU’s request, many due process violations have occurred.

For instance, here is a link to a 91 page analysis--with case law--detailing why NU's application is not a "text amendment", as filed, but rather a "map amendment": https://www.cityofevanston.org/home/showdocument?id=50203

Basically a “text amendment” allows for a simpler approval process for NU, while a “map amendment” has greater protections for residents and businesses since it covers major zoning changes.

NU’s request is a major change to zoning--if successful, it overturns a fifty year ban on professional sports and for-profit concerts at the Ryan complex.

But the City has allowed NU to complete this major zoning change as a mere "text amendment".

The reason: a "map amendment" requires seven aldermen (out of nine) to approve, and a "text amendment" requires just five votes. And sadly, NU seems to have the five votes to pass it. So...go Cats!

This is just one of many due process violations that have occurred in the City’s attempt to help NU.

But our learned attorneys are confident, that if the council passes NU’s request this Monday evening (11/11), an impending lawsuit could force the City to hold NU to the same legal standards and processes as the rest of us.

November 8, 2019

Please stop catering to our greedy neighbor

Arthur Hoffman

The issue of safety has been raised repeatedly. There have been incidents regarding safety in the past. The issue of traffic affecting the passage of safety vehicles was seriously considered and heeded both in the 70's, when nurses testified about safety issues, and in the 90's when firemen told about their experiences. What has changed? The streets are the same, traffic and congestion are in fact worse. What tragedy will have to occur before the City listens to the residents?

November 8, 2019

Hello,

I live very close to the NU stadium, and have lived in this neighborhood for the past 25 years.

Everything that NU has proposed will have a serious and negative impact on my quality of life and and my property value. This is based on what already occurs during the events currently allowed.

One question for you, and one recent incident:

Question: Can you honestly say you would want this in your neighborhood?

Incident: Right before a recent football game while fans were arriving, I was at home. I accidentally cut my finger badly and needed to get medical attention. It took me 15 minutes to get more than a block from my house. I had to sit in traffic and try to keep the bleeding controlled, not knowing how long it would take.

It was very unnerving since it underlined the problem of traffic congestion - had this been a heart attack or stroke, medical help could not have gotten through in time. Add more events, a larger, rowdier audience, plus alcohol, and the situation will be worse.

Please ask everyone who is voting to ask themselves if they would want any of this in their neighborhood.

Thank you for your attention.

Lisa Taylor

November 8, 2019

As a resident of Evanston I am sick and tired of paying for Northwestern. There seems to be no limit to the amount of property they purchase and then are EXEMPTED from paying taxes on it. There is no cap. They are not a partner to our city. I clearly want to be heard that I DO NOT support NU to host for-profit concerts and pro sports at the Ryan complex. They must pay proper taxes to the city of Evanston.

Alice McAvoy

UPS - Director Healthcare Enterprise Accounts

November 9, 2019

I’m writing to voice my opinion regarding the Northwestern zoning situation. I strongly believe that Northwestern must meet the “burden of proof” showing that commercial events at Northwestern’s nonprofit facilities will NOT negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods.

Regards,

Katherine Mitchell

November 9, 2019

Re: Please vote NO to new zoning for NU's athletic campus

Hello there,

I'm checking back in to reiterate my staunch opposition to the proposed zoning changes that will so deeply impact my family and our home. Already NU is brazen with disregard for typical noise and consideration within the confines of the existing setup and I have very little reason to believe that an expansion of what's possible for them at their facilities will bring anything more than additional traffic to central Street (last night's basketball game meant that at 5:30pm traffic was backed up from Green Bay Road all the way back to Ashland) that it cannot handle. Any more activity will continue to significantly limit our mobility as citizens and bring additional concerns to safety which has, until today, been hardly a concern.

Should this zoning change happen, it will be a clear signal that the balance of dynamics within Evanston is significantly off-balance. We gain a lot with NU as a part of Evanston but I become weary of the gratitude being only one way and, as a result, these money-driven choices bringing significant damage to the ecosystem today. We're all in this together and, perhaps more frustrating, the existing issues we've had (noise issues, congestion) are now small compared to what is being proposed today. I hope we can get back to a place of trust within the set up as it exists today before we even begin to consider giving the institution special privileges that are far from earned based on previous behavior.

An additional point of frustration is that I want to be able to come to the meeting to voice my opinions live but with two kids at ages 3 and 1 and a full-time job, this has become an additional worry in an already packed day-to-day and I likely won't be in attendance live. I know my neighbors share my concerns so I'm going to hope that they can convey what we all feel. I'm hopeful the local government will do what they should do for the sake of us, the citizens.

Thank you, Lindsay Verstegen

November 9, 2019

Good afternoon,

Our first observation is that,,, We thought that the government was "created by the people & for the people". that doesn't seem to be the case where in Evanston..

Why is it that Evanston residents are required to follow all codes & ordinances, BUT,,, Northwestern is NOT.

especially since we,,, (the home owners & business owners) are required to pay our property taxes, & all City services, Police, Fire, Ambulance, ect. ect. ect.

so,,, how much is Northwestern contributing to ALL City services they are using?

with Northwestern having an 11 BILLION DOLLAR endowment fund, & charging a whole lot of money to go to college there,,, WE would think that the City of Evanston would make sure that Northwestern would pay their fair share,,, & NOT allow Northwestern to sidestep, or ignore the Zoning guidelines, & ordinances that the rest of us (taxpaying) residents are expected to follow.

So, our request to City Counsel is --- Please listen, & act on behalf of your constituents. that is all residents & all businesses that would be negatively affected by your decision.

Sincerely,

Ray Friedman - 2nd Ward

The email below was also sent to Alderman Simmons (5th Ward)

November 11, 2019 at 9:19 AM

U2 - Zoning Change

Dear Alderman Fleming,

NU’s Zoning Change Application has serious shortfalls and sets a dangerous precedent for any project to be considered in the 9^th ward or in any other ward.

· No Parking Analysis

· No Traffic Analysis

· No Financial Impact Study

Alderman Rue Simmons request and that of Alderman Rainey for staff to look for the original Welsh Ryan Arena building zoning application for a previous parking, traffic, and financial impact study was honorable. Apparently these studies cannot be found or were never prepared. These studies should have been prepared for the most recent zoning change request, but were not. The fact that the studies were not even prepared for the original building application wreaks of gross negligence on the part of the city staff and reinforces what is now known to be clear bias by staff in favor of Northwestern University. Council members rely on staff to bring forth accurate recommendations. In this case, staff failed to do so.

Ramrodding NU's Zoning Change through without Northwestern having met its burden (as the applicant) does not benefit the city’s constituents. In fact this would set a dangerous precedent for any other developer who does not want to properly submit a zoning application. The city cannot give Northwestern a pass and expect other developers to invest in the required studies. All a developer’s attorney would need to do is to point to NU’s U2 Zoning Process and call it a precedent for any development in any other ward.

Remember that the Albian development and more recently the Northlight Theater development both provided the city with parking, traffic and financial impact studies. Please ask yourself why Northwestern should not have done the very same for Welsh Ryan Arena?

I suggest that the NU item be removed from the agenda in its entirety. The NU dialogue deserves its own council meeting once the applicant provides all of the proper documentation.

Thank you. I have always found your votes to be based upon a fair and equitable review of the facts.

Mike Vasilko

Nov 11 at 10:00 AM

Zoning Applies to Everyone:

Dear Aldermen and Alderwomen,

My husband and I live on Broadway Ave and have been living and contributing to the City of Evanston for more than 15 years. We are opposed to Northwestern University adding commercial events to the stadium since it will just increase our tax burden, increase the noise and light pollution, and create yet more traffic and congestion in our neighborhood.

For example, just a few weeks ago, the University football half time show had a music event which was so loud that we could not escape the noise even from within our house. The music was offensive and inappropriate given the location. Now you are considering having music and profession sports events for profit and most likely at all hours of the day and week. This is unacceptable.

Secondly, we feel that the football and sports events that the University already has at the stadium are revenue producing events and should be taxed.

We are tired of fighting our taxes which continue to increase 20-30 percent each tax assessment cycle. It is time for Northwestern to own up to their responsibilities as a shared occupant in our community which given the size of their footprint on our soils they should be contributing to our continued tax burdens. Our friends and neighbors have this conversation often and my wife and I are tired of it. We believe that the University is disproportionately benefiting from our unique community. We also feel that if we are to be inconvenienced and the beauty of our community altered for profit, (i.e. the new stadium and sports field that blankets over lakefront), then those profits should be used to shore up what is likely to be loss to Evanston's appeal.

Thank you,

John and Sheryl Leonard