Planning and Development Committee Meeting 3-9-2026

The City of Evanston Planning and Development Committee met on March 9, 2026, to discuss several items including the landmark designation of the Francis Willard Elementary School property. Public comments were made regarding the historical and architectural significance of the school, as well as concerns about potential black displacement related to the school's site history. The committee approved the minutes from previous meetings and considered a zoning and development proposal for a property at 1611 Church, involving conversion from commercial to residential use with added common areas and an accessory dwelling unit. The committee voted 4-1 to move forward with the landmark designation ordinance for Willard Elementary School, noting that the designation would primarily affect future ownership and resale of the property rather than current school district operations. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were discussed during the meeting.