What is an SSA?
The Special Service Area (SSA) is an economic development tool, created by state statute and city ordinance, which allows extra real estate property taxes to be collected to fund added services for a defined area. It is the only taxing body in which property owners choose to be assessed and have direct decision-making authority on the use of those funds. SSA taxpayers cooperatively plan, provide, benefit from, and pay for services within their own area. SSA-funded services focus on the public way and are in addition to services generally provided by the City. SSAs exist throughout the USA, as well as in other parts of the world, and are more commonly known as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). There have been more than 50 SSAs within the City of Chicago and 800 nationwide. When and Why was West Town SSA created? West Town SSA was established in November 2004 by City Council ordinance. The mission of West Town SSA is to maintain and improve the shopping, dining and nightlife within the SSA boundary by providing a cleaner, safer and more attractive environment for consumers and business owners and residents. What are the boundaries of the West Town SSA? The current boundaries of the West Town SSA29 are: Chicago Avenue from Halsted Street to California Avenue Damen Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Grand Avenue Milwaukee Avenue from Racine Street to Erie Street Ogden Avenue from Fry Street to the Kennedy Expressway
How is West Town SSA governed and managed? West Town SSA is governed by a 9-member Commission whose members are SSA property and business owners. SSA Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and serve 2-year terms. The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce is the Service Provider agency which, under contract with the City of Chicago, is responsible for providing and managing the SSA services approved by the Commission. The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce reports to the Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development which oversees the SSAs. What does West Town SSA29 Currently Do?
Current West Town SSA Programs: Facade Improvement Program The SSA will rebate 50% of eligible fa�ade projects up to $15,000. There is a streamlined process and no application fee. You can download an application from the SSA website at www.westtownssa.org. Public art Murals have been installed beneath the viaduct over Chicago Ave near Sangamon Street. The first phase of the mural was completed during the fall of 2008 and the second phase was completed in the fall of 2009 along the 800 block of north Lessing St. Local artists had a chance to share their visions for these West Town locations and a panel of business and property owners selected the best fit for the project. Street maintenance Cleanslate, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides paid transitional jobs in neighborhood beautification (www.cleanslatechicago.org), keeps the area sidewalks clean and litter-free 3-5 times per week. Currently you can see the crews working hard removing litter, emptying SSA trash receptacles, identifying and removing graffiti to, and surveying local businesses. These crews also work to maintain the artist created trash receptacles the SSA has purchased and installed along the West Town SSA boundaries, as there were not enough city trash receptacles in the ara. These receptacles help to reduce the amount of litter on sidewalks and in the streets. Decorative banners Promotional street pole banners are now available for local businesses to purchase and help promote themselves and West Town. Please visit the "Forms" page at www.westtownssa.org for your application and more information. Long range planning West Town SSA has been working with a local district planner to help compile and analyze area statistics and demographics in order to help develop a corridor plan and marketing materials. The plan has recently been completed and programs are currently being developed based on the findings. Marketing West Town SSA markets the commercial corridors and businesses by promoting the "Discover West Town" mobile app, having a yearly marketing campaign initiated by the contracted PR firm, keeping up to date information running daily on our West Town Chicago Facebook and Twitter pages, and by maintaining an online presence with our SSA website and other West Town Chamber websites. West Town SSA also markets the service area by supporting special events that publicize and draw consumers to Chicago Avenue such as the West Fest street festival. Landscape maintenance Weeding is provided monthly from April to November on SSA trees pits, sidewalks, and along buildings in an effort to improve the health of the environment and add to the appeal of the district. The trees along the SSA are maintained based on a Tree Maintenance Program created by the contracted Arborist. Snow removal The West Town SSA has the snow cleared from SSA sidewalks and crosswalks after each snow fall that accumulates one inch or more. This is a service provided in addition to the snow removal provided by property owners according to the City of Chicago Snow Removal Ordinance. Holiday decorations In an effort to brighten the holidays and provide a festive atmosphere, West Town SSA provides decorations on SSA street light poles. The decorations are installed around the Thanksgiving holiday and are removed in mid-January |