Latest news from Evanston: Your Monday daily digest

Good Monday morning, Evanston.

Above, swimmers change out of their swimsuits in the snow after a Sunday morning dip in Lake Michigan. The water is now below 40 degrees. ( At This Time photo by Richard Cahan)

Credit:

Alan K. Cubbage

Beck Park, which sits along the North Shore Channel south of Emerson Street, is slated for a major transformation and expansion under new city plans. The 5.6-acre park will grow to 8 acres and the site will gain updated playground equipment, a zipline, a water feature and new bicycle and walking paths in the coming years.

Credit:

Bob Seidenberg

Tonight, Evanston’s City Council may approve a proposed 2024 budget that totals over $443 million and includes a 7.8% city property tax hike and a 17.5% water rate boost. Catch up on the RoundTable’s budget coverage:

Nov. 7: Residents criticized the proposed property tax hike at a joint Third, Fourth and Ninth ward meeting.

Nov. 13: Council members gave initial support to a proposal by Devon Reid (8th Ward) for a special fire services fee on big tax-exempt users, such as Northwestern University. Reid plans to present more ideas tonight.

Nov. 14: David Livingston, chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, made a case for hiking property taxes: He said avoiding hikes in previous years has created a “structural deficit” in city finances.

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RoundTable roundup

Tuesday: City staff and consultants present a concept design for a new North Shore Channel accessible canoe launch at a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.

Thursday: Country rock band Steel String Highway plays from 8 to 10 p.m. at Double Clutch Brewery, 2121 Ashland Ave.

Thursday: Businesses and restaurants along Central Street extend their hours and offer dining specials until 7 p.m. in a Late-er Night on Central .

For more events, check out our Events Calendar.