University City Names New Planning, Parks Chiefs | The Locally Times
One director brings decades of experience, the other a blank public slate, as the city prepares for major shifts in development and green spaces.
University City is set to usher in a new era of urban development and public space management with the appointments of two key directors, one bringing extensive experience and the other a largely unknown background. Craig Chandler is scheduled to take the helm as Director of Planning and Zoning on March 30, 2026, while Reginald J. Burton, Jr. will become Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Areas Maintenance, effective April 6, 2026. These roles are pivotal, directly shaping the city's growth, neighborhood character, and the quality of its public spaces. The Director of Planning and Zoning oversees development proposals, zoning regulations, and long-term land use strategies, directly influencing the city's physical landscape. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Areas Maintenance is responsible for the upkeep and programming of green spaces, recreational facilities, and community amenities. City records confirm these leadership changes but offer starkly different levels of detail on the new appointees. ## New Leadership for City Planning Craig Chandler is scheduled to assume the critical role of Director of Planning and Zoning for University City on March 30, 2026, city records confirm. This position is central to the city's future, guiding decisions on land use, infrastructure, and the visual character of University City. The department's work involves balancing growth with preservation, managing zoning variances, and ensuring new developments align with comprehensive plans. Decisions made by this director can have long-term implications for residents, potentially influencing property values, traffic patterns, and the overall livability of different neighborhoods. However, public records announcing Chandler's appointment do not include details about his professional background, previous roles, or the specific qualifications that led to his selection. No immediate strategic priorities or projects for Chandler have been specified. Without public details on his history or initial directives, the specific direction his leadership will take in these critical areas remains unknown to the public. ## Extensive Experience for Parks and Public Areas In contrast to the planning director's appointment, Reginald J. Burton, Jr. brings a detailed and extensive background to his new role as Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Areas Maintenance, effective April 6, 2026. City records highlight over 15 years of progressive leadership in parks, recreation, and facilities operations. Burton's professional history includes managing large-scale public spaces, community programming, and municipal services. Before University City, he served as Facilities Program Director at the University of Notre Dame, overseeing operations for a library system that served over three million annual visitors. His responsibilities included space utilization, event coordination, vendor management, renovation projects, and safety compliance, including OSHA standards. He also contributed to strategic planning and acted as a first responder for facility emergencies. Earlier at Notre Dame, Burton was Operations Manager within Student Affairs, leading a team of over 40 staff and coordinating logistics for hundreds of campus events supporting more than 500 student organizations. His municipal experience includes serving as Director of Parks and Recreation, Streets, and Sanitation for Lake Station, Indiana, where he managed a comprehensive citywide recreation system, budgets, staff, facilities, and long-range planning for capital improvements and programming. He also worked as a Parks Supervisor with the Chicago Park District, where he managed community centers, developed recreational programming, and oversaw staffing and facility operations. ## Shaping University City's Future These new appointments for Planning and Zoning and Parks, Recreation and Public Areas Maintenance lay the groundwork for significant shifts in how University City manages its physical environment and public amenities. The Planning Director influences everything from the location of new businesses to the density of housing, directly affecting property owners and the daily lives of residents. Similarly, the Parks Director shapes the availability and quality of green spaces, playgrounds, and community events, which contribute to public health, social engagement, and the overall desirability of University City as a place to live. While Burton's extensive background suggests a focus on enhancing parks, recreation opportunities, and public area maintenance, city records do not provide specific details on the strategic vision or immediate goals that either director has been tasked with. The budget and scope of their departments also remain unspecified in public announcements. These leadership changes in University City reflect a broader trend of municipal adjustments across the region. However, the specific drivers behind University City's decisions for these critical roles are not detailed in the available public records.