How about this: the plans for the Tower have been withdrawn! In a statement released to the Chicago Tribune today, Thursday, March 1, 2018, Northlight Theatre, Farpoint Development, and McLaurin Development jointly announced they were withdrawing their previously announced plans for the development on the site at 1700 block of Sherman Avenue in Evanston. The Chicago Tribune reports: "After about five months of town halls and hearing what people have to say, we realized that this is a very contentious block, the epicenter of charm and character in Evanston," said Northlight's managing director Tim Evans. "We could see it was going to be a real tough battle, and this was not a fight we wanted to be in." Again quoting the Chicago Tribune: "In an interview Thursday, Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty pointed to the large amount of organized opposition from Evanstonians, which he said was not unusual when it came to large-scale development downtown. 'But at the end of the day,' Hagerty said, ' I think the largest issue was the number of businesses that would have been displaced.' " Honestly, I think both factors played a decisive and inter-connected role. All of us opposed this development because it would displace the beloved local businesses, among many other factors. Four weeks ago, our petition was presented by Alley Gallery co-owner Ross Martens at a meeting of the Evanston Economic Development Committee. Along with all of the many voices heard in opposition to that night, we were also heard. I am overwhelmed and so thrilled! We can declare victory! I know there will be more battles ahead to defend what is right and just, but for now, let's celebrate, all 3,032 of us who signed this petition! Thank you all! Jenny Thompson