The Evanston Coalition for Responsible Development (ECRD) was formed in December 2007 by a city-wide group of citizens who were alarmed at the rapid pace of unplanned, and often inappropriate, developments being approved by City Council in Evanston. Zoning allowances were being granted to large scale developments with little or no public benefits in return. As large scale condominium projects were being approved at a dizzying pace, local retail and commercial businesses were leaving town in droves.

ECRD believes that development in any area of Evanston should be thoughtful and that projects should reflect what is good for Evanston and not simply what will put money in the pockets of out-of-town developers. We believe that Evanston needs a balance of residential, retail and commercial/office uses.

ECRD has initially concentrated on the 708 Church project (the "Tower") because it was a classic case of Developers telling Evanston what it needs rather than Evanston planning for its own future. The Council has perpetuated the myth that only residential towers will solve the fiscal problems of the City.

The ECRD believes that development is a good thing. However, the "best use" and "best practices" should always be the first consideration when analyzing a potential development.

The Evanston Coalition for Responsible Development believes that all citizens of Evanston, as well as downtown stakeholders, are entitled to know the facts about the proposed 38-story skyscraper at 708 Church Street. The purpose of this website is to give individuals a reliable resource on which they can make informed decisions and influence their elected officials.