Northwestern University’s hope to rebuild Ryan Field was tackled for a loss late Wednesday as a city commission in Evanston voted against its plan to bring…
was tackled for a loss late Wednesday as a city commission in Evanston voted against its plan to bring concerts and other money-making events to a new football stadium.
Commissioner George Halik said “it’s obvious” that the concerts will have a negative effect on the area. “I’m still not convinced these concerts are necessary,” he said. The commission’s decision is advisory only, and the City Council could back the project anyway. But the votes could influence the council or force Northwestern to make concessions to Ryan Field neighbors who live in an upscale area of mostly single-family homes.The critics have argued that NU’s plans would bring more traffic and noise to the blocks around the stadium, outweighing economic benefits and hurting the quality of life.
Business groups, meanwhile, have championed the project. The village board in Wilmette, Evanston’s neighbor, has gone on record against it. George Kisiel, a planning consultant hired by NU, said the impact from concerts will be similar to that of football games that the community supports, He called the project “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to replace an aging and obsolete structure.”
Northwestern has said it wants to begin construction at the end of the current football season, but it may be unable to keep to that timetable. Observers have said that if the project is approved, Evanston and Wilmette residents are likely to file suit to stop it.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Evanston commission rejects Northwestern plan for Ryan Field concertsNorthwestern University’s hope to rebuild Ryan Field was tackled for a loss late Wednesday as a city commission in Evanston voted against its plan to bring concerts and other money-making events to a new football stadium.
Read more »
Evanston Land Use commission unanimously approves Ryan Field renovation plan for football stadiumThe Evanston Land Use commission unanimously approved Northwestern's Ryan Field proposal Wednesday night.
Read more »
Community reacts as Evanston mom, daughter presumably held hostage by HamasAt least 14 Americans have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, according to President Joe Biden, and others are being held by the militant group, designated as…
Read more »
Evanston Planning and Development Committee approves South Boulevard affordable housingThe project at the southern edge of the city near the South Boulevard Purple Line station would see 60 affordable units added to the city's stock.
Read more »
Law professors: Former Northwestern cheerleader is right to sue school for breach of contractA former Northwestern University cheerleader is right to allege that sex trafficking and other alleged misconduct constitute a breach of contract.
Read more »