1978- including Zoning Code & Siegel "football is not football"

Below: William A. Dettmer, Director of the Evanston Department of Inspections and Permits informs Lee Ellis, Senior Vice-President of NU Business and Finance, that the use of Dyche Stadium for the Bears practices violates the zoning code.

see also January 9, 1978 article: 1977-78 Articles

Below is the April 3, 1978 Memo from Appeals Officer, David Rasmussen to Corporate Counsel, Jack Siegel, regarding the history of Dyche Stadium property and the July 4th celebration. A passage reads:

ZAC 15-10/3/74

Page 24 from the hearing held October, 1974. William Strasser testified, "The area of Dyche Stadium has not been agreeable with the residents of the City of Evanston since some time in the early 1900's when it was originally conceived and there were wooden stands and the records of the City, which I can produce, show public hearings and citizens like us objecting."

Evanston Zoning Ordinance - adopted on December 4, 1978

Below is the December 5, 1978 Jack Siegel's letter to the City where he talks about the significance of the 1978 Illinois Supreme Court Decision.

Belowsee the transcription of the above letter.

Spotlight highlighted an important passage.

December 5, 1978

Mr. Edward Martin

City Manager

Re: Northwestern University vs. City of Evanston

Dear Ed:

I am enclosing herewith a copy of the Decision of the Illinois Supreme Court dated December 4th in which the Supreme Court reverses the Appellate Court and affirms Judge Dunne's order. You will recall that Judge Dunne dismissed the complaint of Northwestern which sought to challenge the constitutionality of the zoning ordinance on the grounds that Northwestern had failed to exhaust their local remedies.

The Appellate Court reversed Judge Dunne. The Supreme Court has now reversed the Appellate Court and has affirmed Judge Dunne's holding. This means that Northwestern must now begin again the process of seeking local relief.

While I am pleased with the procedural victory, I would point out that the most Significant element of this opinion, in my view, is the Supreme Court's refusal to accept Northwestern' s argument that our zoning ordinance is unconstitutional on its face. In so holding, the Supreme Court sets to rest, once and for all, the Judge Barrett argument, "football is football." It recognizes the substantial difference between intercollegiate athletic events and commercial events. This is a major victory in terms of laying the ground rules for any future litigation.

Again, I -appreciate the confidence of the City Council and yourself in permitting me to pursue this litigation to the Supreme Court. I am most gratified to report success.

Very truly yours,

Jack M. Siegel