Community Update

Harley- Clarke Mansion- The proposal for the sale of the site of the Evanston Art Center is sad. It will destroy land that can't be replaced. Part of Evanston's beauty is the lakefront and PUBLIC ACCESS to it.-Giving a single path to the beach - what is that? Once the land is sold and developed the owner is not really obligated to keep up the promise of access and free parking. A five story hotel will change the whole look of the area - there is not only the beach but the land next to the light house plus the prairie restoration area that took years to achieve. In addition you have the newly renovated playground area and place for families to have picnic. All this will change as the hotel takes up it's rights for paying customers.
It does amaze me how we are so skilled at destroying natural beauty and historical landmark. These are very items we run to other countries to see. 
I hope the city will be more open about what is happening and more thoughtful about the long range effects of such a sale.
Constance Porteous Central Street Resident