Support SSA #38 Reconstitution
By now, you have probably seen a number of emails, Facebook posts and tweets from us discussing the reconstitution of Special Service Area #38 Northcenter.
For those that may still have questions, we wanted to provide some information about what the SSA is, what it does and why the renewal of its funding is important.
Special Service Area #38 was created in 2006 to provide enhanced cleaning, landscaping, snow removal and other services on Northcenter's primary streets and to help contribute to the vibrancy, appeal and identity of Northcenter for residents, workers and visitors.
The current boundaries are:
Lincoln Avenue between Addison St. and Montrose Avenue
Irving Park Road between Ravenswood and Campbell
Western Avenue between Belmont and Montrose
The proposed additions are:
Irving Park Road between Campbell and the Chicago River
Northcenter Town Square at Damen & Belle Plaine
Since 2006, SSA #38 has supported the following services and improvements:
Provided sidewalk trash removal and power washing
Provided snow removal on Northcenter sidewalks
Installed 40 new flower planters along Northcenter's main streets
Planted and maintained 60 flower planters throughout Northcenter
Provided landscaping for Northcenter's obelisks
Provided landscaping in Northcenter Town Square
Collaborated with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce in the publishing of this Community Guide highlighting Northcenter's businesses
Connected entrepreneurs with local vacancies through the Retail Northcenter Program.
Why support SSA #38?
Need to maintain ongoing, consistent and reliable funding for local services
SSAs provide a locally controlled way for our community to implement enhancements in the way we envision them
SSA services raise appeal and property value of homes, businesses
SSA funding ensures local tax dollars go to local services
If the City does not grant the SSA reconstitution:
No funding for snow removal
No funding for litter pickup
No funding for maintenance of streetscapes
No funding or resources to maintain flower planters & hanging baskets
Condominium fees could potentially rise for some residents as associations will be required to contract out for snow removal, etc.
The 2015 SSA tax rate is set at 0.253%, with a cap of 0.333%. You will not pay more than that 0.333% in any given year. Both the proposed rate and cap are well below the City of Chicago average and on par with SSAs in similar neighborhoods.
A detailed breakdown of average costs per type of property is available for download in a presentation at our website (northcenterchamber.com). If you would like an exact estimate of how much this will cost you, please contact us. A detailed breakdown of our budget is also available for download in a presentation at our website (northcenterchamber.com).
If you wish to see SSA services continue, please sign the petition to show support.
If you want to know more, presentations and meeting materials about the SSA are available on our website or for download below:
Department of Planning & Development Presentation
Thank you for supporting the Northcenter community and SSA #38. Together, we can continue to make Northcenter a great place to live and work.
For more information about Special Service Area #38 Northcenter and the services it provides, please contact Garrett FitzGerald at 773-710-5866 or garrett@northcenterchamber.com
