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Branch library would be an ‘ideal’ fit in renovated Family Focus building: agency’s executive director
By Bob Seidenberg An Evanston Public Library branch at the Family Focus building would be an “ideal” fit, complimenting the other services the agency intends to house in the building once a renovation project is completed, the head of the…

Council votes 9-1 to name John Fournier as the city’s next City Manager
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston City Council members approved the appointment of Ann Arbor assistant city administrator John Fournier as the city’s next city manager at their May 23 City Council meeting, in the third attempt to fill the city’s top…

Activist groups present their own state of the City view in protest before the mayor’s speech
By Bob Seidenberg Dissatisfied with the city’s City Manager choice, members of some local activist groups lined up outside 619 Howard St., today before Mayor Daniel Biss delivered his “State of the City” speech. Protesters were on view outside the…

Evanston City Council Announces Intent to Appoint John Fournier as City Manager
The Evanston City Council intends to appoint John Fournier as the next Evanston city manager. Contract negotiations are currently underway and a decision is expected in the coming weeks. John Fournier is the assistant city administrator of the City of…

After census shows imbalances, city may see new ward boundaries
By Bob Seidenberg With a population deviation of more than 20% between some wards, members of a city Redistricting Committee recommended May 10 the City move forward on remapping effort to create greater balance. At the same time, officials vowed to keep…

Lead service line work could open up job opportunities for some Evanston residents
By Bob Seidenberg Six Evanston residents will be hired as part of the City’s effort to replace leaking or broken lead service lines under a Work Force Development program approved by the Evanston City Council May 9. Evanston City Council…

City may turn to outside firm for business districts study
By Bob Seidenberg rseiden914@gmail.com Evanston officials have turned to a Philadelphia, Pa., firm to conduct a comprehensive study of the city’s business districts and suggest ways the city can realign itself in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. Members of…

Vinic Wine Company owner hopes to bring a ‘little bit of magic’ to Lagoon spot
Mediterranean/European-style café with festoon of lights and umbrella-shaded tables. Open for coffee in the morning, moving to a wine café in the evening. Foods will be light fare that is good for grab-an- go or picnic-appropriate. Hoping to become a…
Committee rejects Council member’s proposal to end park closing times
By Bob Seidenberg Evanston Parks and Recreation Board members offered eight reasons at their Feb. 17 meeting for the city not to adopt a Council member’s proposal to end park closure times. Members of the City Council’s Human Services Committee…
City manager finalists field questions at virtual town meeting
By Bob Seidenberg Snapper Poche took his listeners on a verbal ride through his government career, from his stint as Director of Code Enforcement in post-Katrina New Orleans to dealing with blighted properties as head of the Bloomberg Harvard City…