The Evanston City Council has approved a five-story, 30-unit apartment complex, after prolonged objections from a neighboring historic Black church. The decision was reached in a 5-1 vote on July 13, allowing the development at 1103-1105 Emerson Street in the city’s 5th Ward.
Community Concerns
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Evanston’s oldest Black church, located at 1109 Emerson Street, opposed the project due to concerns about the potential impact on its structural integrity and historic architecture. Longtime resident Priscilla Giles commented, “It is a disgrace next to a historical landmark Black church over 100 years old.”
Despite these concerns, the project promises to offer three affordable housing units, each at 40% of the area’s median income, approximately $1,100 for a two-bedroom unit.
Official Support and Misconceptions
Ald. Bobby Burns from the 5th Ward supported the project, highlighting the community’s need for affordable housing. He emphasized that the project would not involve demolishing the historic church but was a private development on its land.
“We’re not tearing any historic, anything down,” said Burns. “The only way that I see it impacting the church… will be addressed or prevented by the good neighbor agreement included in the ordinance.”
Good Neighbor Agreement
To address the Historic Preservation Commission’s critique, the Council mandated a good neighbor agreement. It requires PM Properties, LLC, to collaborate with the city on building aesthetics and ensure no amplified sound systems on the apartment’s rooftop. They must also replace and upgrade fencing around the church’s parking lot and monitor noise levels.
Burns stressed the enforceability of the agreement, noting that construction and occupancy permits depend on compliance.
Church’s Continued Doubts
Pastor Deborah Y. Scott expressed skepticism at the Council meeting regarding the city’s commitment to enforce the agreement.
“My church members still have concerns,” Scott said. “They don’t have confidence that the city will enforce this good neighbor agreement.”
Dissenting Opinion
Despite approvals, Ald. Clare Kelly opposed the project. She raised concerns about the potential overshadowing of the church and the design’s impact on the neighborhood’s character.
“It’s not so much the height as much as the mass,” Kelly argued. “The design is lacking and is going to undermine the church’s presence and the overall neighborhood.”