LAKEVIEW — Following a two-month search, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce tapped its new executive director from within.
Lee Crandell, who has headed the chamber's Special Service Area program for almost two years, will replace former director Heather Way Kitzes, effective June 15.
"I feel really passionate about engaging the community and business members and finding new solutions to strengthen the neighborhood. I think we need to find ways to help Lakeview stand out and help our businesses stand out," Crandell said.
In recent months, Crandell has spearheaded projects like the Lincoln Hub placemaking project, designed to bolster business by strengthening urban design. The project hit a mid-installation snag, but Crandell assured neighbors the road patterns would be clearer once the project was finished.
In April, Crandell released a study on transit-oriented development that highlighted "a need for additional TOD that would increase density and trade off private parking spaces in new development for additional residential and commercial space."
Before coming to Lakeview, Crandell worked for the Active Transportation Alliance and the Congress for the New Urbanism.
Crandell said he plans to start his work as executive director with a survey of local businesses.
"Before I set an agenda, I want it to be influenced by current issues businesses are dealing with and what kinds of ideas they have. I'm ready to jump in and get started immediately," Crandell said.
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