Evanston City Council moves forward with sauna club despite calls for resident discussion

The Evanston City Council convened on April 28, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the relocation of a sauna club and discussions surrounding vacation rental licenses and a proposed multi-family development.

The meeting began with a proposal to relocate the sauna club from its current location to a site near the boat launch area. Council member Kelly expressed concerns about the lack of resident input prior to the decision, suggesting a two-week delay to allow for community discussions. Despite her concerns, the motion to delay was not seconded initially but was later supported by Council member Suffredin. However, a motion to overturn the hold was made by Council member Nussbaum and passed with a two-thirds majority, allowing the relocation to proceed without delay.

Tim Carter, the Lakefront Manager, noted that the relocation would address a complaint regarding the sauna's current placement and emphasized the benefits of moving it to a more suitable area. Council member Renuspa highlighted the positive community response to the sauna club, reinforcing the idea that moving it would be beneficial for both the business and the community.

Following the sauna discussion, the council addressed a vacation rental license for two properties. Council member Reid opposed the motion, citing plans for a moratorium on vacation rentals, which led to a tie vote. The motion ultimately failed, preventing the approval of the vacation rental license.

The council then moved on to a significant proposal for a five-story multi-family development at 2206 Maple Avenue, which included 30 units and 29 on-site parking spaces. Council member Kelly raised concerns about the financial implications of the project, particularly regarding the affordable housing requirements outlined in House Bill 2621. She emphasized the need for a thorough discussion on the financial impact of such developments on the city’s revenue.

Despite these concerns, the council voted in favor of the development, with the motion passing unanimously. The council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance community needs with development goals, as well as the importance of resident engagement in local governance. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on housing policies and their long-term implications for Evanston.