It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Near East Area Commission. As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, it is my intention to provide an update at the close of each quarter on what has been accomplished and what lies ahead.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Commission approved 7 new zoning projects and denied 1—demonstrating our commitment to increasing density responsibly and making thoughtful modifications to existing structures that enhance safety and quality of life for our neighbors. Our Planning and Zoning Committees have reviewed a total of 19 projects, including demolitions and conceptual proposals.

In the first quarter, we have had the pleasure of welcoming 5 new commissioners who have shown remarkable dedication in their service. As they navigate the complexities of this civic responsibility, they are doing so with commendable resilience and a positive attitude. I truly appreciate the effort they, along with the entire 16-member body, have put in over the past 3 months to strengthen our commission. Their hard work and commitment are making a real difference, and I’m grateful for their contributions during this transition period.

We are also proud to share that we have worked diligently to digitize zoning plans and project applications. This shift ensures that residents who are unable to attend meetings in person can still access important documents and stay informed.

A major milestone ahead: our new website, www.neareastareacommission.org, will launch on April 10, 2025. This site has been designed and built by a dedicated team of commissioners to improve visibility, access to resources, and educational tools for all who live in and care about the Near East Side.
Additionally, on April 3, our Community Engagement Committee, led by its chair, will host a Candidate Discussion to help residents make informed decisions in the upcoming May primary election. We believe that civic engagement is rooted in access to dialogue, transparency, and clarity.

The Community Engagement Committee has also continued to foster meaningful, community-centered conversations grounded in the present and future needs of our neighborhoods.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of the Near East Side while also planning boldly and advocating for a future that serves all of us.

As the great historian Carter G. Woodson once said, "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history." May we continue to draw strength from our history as we shape what’s to come.