EVANSTON — The Evanston City Council approved multiple street closures, some for construction and some for summer celebrations, as well as a resolution granting the funding of additional bulletproof vests for local law enforcement during its June 5 meeting.

The council approved a request to close 10th Street between Main Street and the adjacent alley on June 21 for the “Get to Know Your Neighbor” event. That portion of the street will be closed from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. 

Main Street will be closed between 10th and 11th streets from noon to 8 p.m. on June 29, for a world-renowned car show event that will be passing through Evanston, the New York to Paris Car Show and Race. 

In 1908 the New York to Paris Car Show and Race passed through Evanston. Not long ago, Jonny Pentz, of Evanston, was contacted by a representative of a team that is conducting a reenactment of the race, as they film a documentary and visit all the original stops along the route. The event will feature historical photographs of the race’s original visit to Evanston 110 years ago, as well as an impressive lineup of vintage automobiles.

On a less celebratory note, many streets throughout Evanston will be shut down for resurfacing and road work, including City View Drive. Plans are also in the works for work to be done on 3rd and 5th streets, Sioux Drive and Twin Ridge Ave. This year the roadwork projects total nearly $400,000, which is $100,000 more than what is normally spent on city road work annually. 

Mayor Kent Williams said of the construction expense this year, “Every once in a while, it’s good to bite off a big chunk.”

Evanston Police Lt. Kent Pearson requested that the city match a federal grant of $4,700 to fund the purchase of nine new bulletproof vests. The vests are regularly worn by law enforcement and typically have a shelf life is four years.

“It’s a necessary evil,” said Pearson of the expense. 

The Evanston Child Development Center (ECDC) asked the council to approve a feasibility study to determine to benefit and need for the expansion of the facilities located at 419 4th St. in Evanston.

Melynda Epperson presented the request to the council, saying, “Head Start has notified us of additional funding for Wyoming that can expand services for local families.”

The grant that Epperson spoke of cannot be applied for until a feasibility study has been conducted. ECDC’s goal is to expand, adding 50 families to their community of service. The expansion would also include an addition of 30 new staff members.

Epperson requested that the feasibility study be allowed as soon as possible as the grant application deadline is quickly approaching. Her request, along with all other resolutions placed before the council for consideration, was approved.