North Cook News

During the Evanston City Council’s Feb. 27 meeting, which was streamed on YouTube, council learned that existing housing codes, last updated in 2012, do not take into account permitted housing, including apartment hotels and shared housing. This discussion was driven by debate about the Margarita Inn, a nonprofit hotel that functions as an apartment that provides housing for the homeless. 

Evanston City Council Alderman Jonathon Nieuwsma, said he is proud to have the operation in the community.

“Margarita Inn came to prominence in the community about a year ago when we realized we were two years into what was intended to be a temporary arrangement and Connections wanted to make it permanent,” Nieuwsma said. “And as the councilmember in whose ward the Margarita Inn exists, you know, I'm in the middle of this, and I've said from the beginning I'm supportive of Connections operating at Margarita Inn as long as we do this right.”

Council learned that the average stay at Margarita Inn is about 10 months, and most residents leave once they find more permanent housing.

"And to me, doing it right means that we have the appropriate structure in place at the municipal level that gives us adequate oversight and regulatory authority over Margarita Inn into the future, because once we approve it, it's going to be a part of our neighborhood,” Nieuwsma said. “It's a part of the neighborhood and it provides a service that we need. And I am proud to have this operation in our neighborhood.”

Several residents came to the council meeting to voice their support for the operation with a number of people noting that the operation serves a key role in the community, especially after the pandemic and the uncertainty of the housing market nationwide. While a few people expressed some concern over operating the shelter in the neighborhood, it went against the overall view of the majority of those attending the session.

Council held a lengthy discussion on a new housing ordinance, noting that the new code would allow operations like Margarita Inn to operate in the city under a special permit, but could enforce rules put in place to ensure peaceful operations.

Council learned that units at these operations would be inspected each year to hold owners accountable for correcting any issues that may be found. Council also learned that the code would safeguard the health and welfare of residents and provide a groundwork for new housing trends that may spring up in the city.

Council ultimately approved the ordinance with one dissenting vote.