Hello everyone, As you may have seen in my update from yesterday, March 1, 2018, the plans for the Tower development have been withdrawn. The massive development would have displaced (evicted) numerous local businesses. It would have towered, literally, over the busy, celebrated block of Sherman Ave, and it would like have caused issues with traffic congestion, and possibly encouraged hyper-gentrification in Evanston, driving up rents and displacing residents. In yesterday’s article in the Daily Northwestern (https://dailynorthwestern.com/2018/03/01/city/213128/), the reporter cites our petition as evidence of the widespread opposition to the development. The Daily Northwestern explains why the plans were withdrawn, quoting Northlight’s managing director Tim Evans: “After about five months of town halls and hearing what people have to say, we realized that this is a very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. . . . We could see it was going to be a real tough battle, and this was not a fight we wanted to be in.” So many people spoke out against this development, taking time out of their schedules to write emails, sign this petition, attend meetings, and speak to council members, particularly at the crucial meeting of the Evanston Economic Development Committee in January 2018, among other efforts. At that meeting in January, the city manager asked there be an investigation into creating a “single purpose unit of government” as a part of a city-backed effort to help finance the new Tower development. In a January 23, 2018 memo to the Chair and Members of the Economic Development Committee from Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager and Paul Zalmezak, Economic Development Manager, they stated: “To facilitate Northlight’s relocation to Evanston, the City Manager is seeking a recommendation to City Council to pursue a similar single purpose unit of government to finance this project.” The committee gave the go-ahead to investigate the creation of such an entity. Critics of this strategy to fund development point out that should such an entity be created, it would make it easier for large developments to be undertaken and they would be, at least partly, funded by taxpayers. We need to stay on top of this issue. Clearly, the outcry in opposition to this development was critical to stopping it. We are thrilled that our voices were heard in this instance and thrilled to declare victory. I hope we can all continue to come together to take a stand in defense of Evanston’s residents and local businesses. Often, those opposing developments such as this one are charged with blocking progress, not wanting any kind of change, and thwarting efforts to stimulate economic development. I think that couldn’t be further from the truth. Opposition can also reveal a deep and human commitment to a place, a city where people live, where they work, where they shop, where they exist. The wish to ensure that that space thrives is what, I believe, was driving our efforts. Gratefully, Jenny Thompson