Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | View in browser
Dear 2nd Ward,
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended the 2nd Ward meeting in person and virtually last Tuesday. Your engagement and input regarding the potential development at the corner of Dempster and Dodge are invaluable.
During the meeting, differing perspectives were exchanged regarding an existing business and another seeking to join the neighborhood. I would like to thank a couple of community members for their courageous decision to share their personal situations with the community and receive feedback.
While I fully support the presence of small, minority-owned, independent restaurants and locally owned shops, as they are essential to the character and economic vitality of our West District, I believe we should approach zoning and permitting with clear and consistent criteria rather than making discretionary, case-by-case decisions. This approach helps ensure fairness and prevents potential arbitrary outcomes.
When community concerns arise, we have established an administrative review process to address them effectively. In having discussions with staff, I’ve learned that many of the issues raised during the meeting were already identified before our Ward meeting. Therefore, I believe it would be in the community's best interest not to send this matter to Land Use at this time. I trust that our City staff will be able to thoughtfully incorporate the concerns we've discussed.
If the goal is to support independent businesses, I believe it is important to have the input of the greater business community. Implementing a system that fosters opportunity for all individuals without favoritism can establish a transparent framework guided by community-supported standards. This approach would minimize confusion, often caused by subjective preferences. I am willing to direct this idea to the appropriate committee to initiate discussions.
I recognize that the events surrounding this situation have caused challenges within our ward and that further discussion is needed. Some individuals felt misrepresented, unfairly characterized, or uncomfortable, and I take those concerns seriously. I experienced some of that myself, which gives me even more reason to support moving forward constructively. With the involvement of those affected, I’m hopeful we can work together toward open, respectful, and transparent communication.
Krissie Harris
Councilmember, 2nd Ward
847-448-0986
kharris@cityofevanston.org
cityofevanston.org
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