EVA approves 2026-27 officer slate

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People seated at five tables of a storefront diner. Banquette seats face a center table between acks and trays of bakery.

EVA members meet at West Town Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave.

Donation supports West Town Branch Library events

EVA elected its 2026-27 officers on July 7, planned future meetings and approved a donation to support programs at the West Town Branch Library.

Marjie Isaacson moved and Neal McKnight seconded accepting the slate, which was approved after brief introductions from the nominees:

  • President Neal McKnight
  • Vice President Christina Slaton
  • Treasurer Brandon Winter
  • Secretary (vacant)
  • Newsletter/Webmaster Stephen Rynkiewicz

Membership meetings were schedled to take place, starting in September, on the first Tuesday of the month at West Town Bakery Cafe, 1916 W. Chicago Ave.:

  • Sept. 1
  • Oct. 6
  • Nov. 3
  • Dec. 1
  • Jan. 5
  • Feb. 2
  • March 2

Members suggested a school enrollment and board candidate forum before the Nov. 3 general election and school aldermanic and mayoral forums before the Feb. 23 municipal primary election.

McKnight proposed a $500 donation to support West Town Branch Library programming. McKnight and Rynkiewicz, who seconded his motion, noted that the library has used EVA's past donations creatively and responsibly. Winter said the EVA treasury had about $4,300, with email service as the major recurring expense.

The June opening of Guillotine Bakery, 1711 W. Chicago Ave., prompted a discussion of the storefront shared with Brasero restaurant, which erected a 14-foot vertical LED sign this spring spanning a 2nd-floor window. A member reported that lights were regularly kept on overnight.

Board members explained their recommendations on Chicago Avenue zoning. Their support of consistent business zoning west of Ashland Avenue has been relayed to the alderman. In March, the owner of Hiro Bar Izakaya said he would ask for commercial zoning at 1600 W. Chicago Ave. Members did not vote, but in discussion several noted that B-3 zoning was consistent with restaurant use and C zoning would allow more intensive use of the building. Members may take a formal vote on Sept. 1.

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