Members of the Evanston Economic Development Commission at their April 24 meeting will direct some of the city's remaining federal coronavirus recovery funds to the Maple/Church/Davis Plaza area, where the city plans to relocate businesses. He supported the allocation of $500,000 to a number of major business initiatives, including $500,000.
Officials say the clock is ticking over how to spend $3 million in American Recovery and Protection Act funds allocated to the commission to fund Evanston Thrives planning efforts to strengthen the city's business district. ” faced with the situation.
The amount of ARPA funds allocated for economic development is $3 million for Evanston Thrives. Approximately $900,000 has already been allocated to the Evanston Thrives mural by Art Encounter ($61,000). Placemaking Kit Planning by All Together Evanston ($41,280). All Together Evanston Communication Plan ($78,200). Independence Park Dining Terrace ($500,000) and the Small Business Recovery Fund, $250,000.
U.S. Treasury regulations state that projects funded through ARPA must be completed or scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. It requires the recipient of the funds to submit his plan and schedule to the U.S. Treasury by July 31.
“We're not trying to cause panic,” Economic Development Director Paul Zalmezak said. However, “there are 14 more council meetings left (in the year), so there's not much time to do that.”
Asked what would happen if the project wasn't approved until December, Zalmezak said: “It would be scary.”
Theater/Civic Plaza
The staff list included increasing ARPA funding for the Maple Avenue, Church Street and Davis Street theater/civic plaza projects from $100,000 to $500,000.
The $100,000 funding comes as officials vote to move from the city's longtime hub at 2100 Ridge Ave. to an office building at 909 Davis St., just off the plaza. It was proposed a long time ago.
“This project will transform the space bounded by the CTA, Church Street, Metra and Davis Street into a space for community gathering, outdoor dining, cultural events and place-making,” Zalmezak said in a memo to the commission. The aim is to transform the city into a vibrant and attractive hub for the company's initiatives.” The selected company will be responsible for creating a plan that incorporates outdoor dining furniture, festoon/festival lighting, gateway signage, intersection painting, rail viaduct murals, and other exciting placemaking infrastructure. ”
Zalmezak told the commission that staff had already sent out a request for proposals for the project and received the request last week.
He indicated that the reaction was strong. He said officials are determining how much it will cost to purchase furniture and commission other work to enhance the plaza across from the dilapidated CTA entrance, but he doesn't know if the full $500,000 will be needed. Stated.
Councilor Claire Kelly (Ward 1) asked if the amount could be reduced and the “surplus” put into the small business fund.
Angela Pennisi, president of the city's MWEDBE committee, said she did not support the motion.
“I'd like to see what I can get for $500,000.”
There would be an opportunity to reallocate funds if the Plaza's plans became too expensive, but “we don't want that,” she said.
The motion to reduce the quota failed by a vote of 5-2.
Zalmezak said he should know the cost of developing the plaza within about 90 days.
“So I would like to keep the $500,000 line item,” he told the committee.
Committee member Katherine Gothic, executive director of the Maine Dempster Mile, a nonprofit special service area organization that markets and promotes the district, said any project with surplus funds would be He said he hopes the needs of the district will be taken into account.
If the money isn't spent, “isn't it going to disappear?” She mentioned the federal funding deadline the city is facing.
If the funds are not needed at that time, the agency will return to the priority list it developed with business leaders and others for the use of much-needed ARPA funds.
Councilman Jonathan Newma, who chaired the committee in Councilman Devon Reed's absence, said he was confident the council would not miss any allocated funds.
New trash can installed downtown
In a memo to the committee, Zalmezak said, “Although trash cans may not be seen as a driver of investment, their ubiquity (there's a trash can at every intersection) makes them important for a high-quality appearance.” Most of the existing cans are rusty and have open tops, allowing trash to spill out and be blown away by the wind, making the blue lids on recycling cans easily accessible to rats. The Public Works Administration reports that the can budget is limited and the replacement schedule will take several years, along with planned landscaping improvements. It will immediately improve the downtown area.”
EDC committee member and business owner Cheryl Giudice pointed out that the allocation for about 120 new bins is $165,000. “That's over $1,000 a can,” she said. The cost breakdown was $1,375 per can.
Kelly noted that in the past there have been problems with the frequency of collection schedules. “So is that being considered?” she asked. “Or is this request [made] Is it also to address that issue and allow you to continue doing it less frequently? ”
City officials say trash collection schedules will likely remain the same, and larger containers will be needed to manage trash and rodents. He added that he hopes the public can distinguish between recycling bins and trash cans.
Improvement of fountain plaza south plaza
No one objected to the poor appearance of the south square of Fountain Square. The “permanent” holiday tree died several months after it was placed there. Some say sitting there feels like being in a wind tunnel.
Zalmezak said bright new furniture could make the place more appealing. Downtown Evanston Executive Director Andrew Vick suggested keeping bright colors toned down.
The estimated cost to replace the trees and make the plaza more welcoming is $200,000.
Other assignments
The committee also approved these items for ARPA funding through Evanston Thrives. The language below the item description summarizes some of the committee members' concerns.
- Downtown placemaking facilities, $200,000 ·
- Install gateways at entrances to each district, $500,000
- Items other than banners are preferred.
- Noise Street Furniture, estimated cost: $10,500
- It will be installed in front of the Noise Cultural Arts Center.
- $45,000 Pilot Community Event Fund to help local communities launch Mote events in public spaces;
- We would appreciate your cooperation in providing security barricades and tables and chairs.
- Estimated cost of building at Allington Lagoon: $100,000.
- This funding will help start food and beverage services. It is not enough to operate the place as a restaurant.
- Callan Plaza (Howard Street) Estimated cost: $150,000 (plus an additional $100,000 approved for implementation of One Howard)
- Electrical connection (for placemaking plaza) Estimated cost: $50,000
In one motion, these appropriations were approved for recommendation to City Council, along with appropriations for improvements to the theater/plaza, downtown trash bins, and Fountain Square South.
If a quorum is present, the Board may consider this recommendation at its next meeting.
Mary Gavin contributed to this story.
