EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - After a year of debate and an additional week to discuss, the Evanston City Council narrowly approved allowing concerts at a newly rebuilt Ryan Field.
A four-to-four tie was broken by Mayor Daniel Biss, following more public comment on rezoning to allow Northwestern to host six concerts at Ryan Field.
“The zoning change will negatively change resident lives forever,” one man said.
“You will strangle local businesses,who will have no parking to offer 66 days a year,” said one woman who disagreed with the project.”
“I would like to remind you, there are many of us who live in this city who actually want this to happen. We actually want to go to a concert, want to see our city thrive, want to see people have opportunity.”
Councilmembers also argued how best to protect the city in the face of legal challenges.
Vocal opponents, in a group called the Most Livable City Association, criticized the majority for going against the recommendation of the city’s Land Use Commission and vowed to continue their fight in court. Opponents plan to sue over the concerts that they say will bring noise, traffic and congestion to the area.
Northwestern has agreed to give millions of dollars annually to the city and organizations in community benefits.
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