SSA 27

The special service area (SSA) is a property tax levy allocated from the City of Chicago that uses the taxes collected for service, beautification, and other programs within the SSA boundaries. The State of Illinois statute determines the restrictions and guidelines of an SSA. The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce administers the SSA #27 programs as the sole service provider. A Board of Commissioners is appointed by the Mayor to recommend the annual tax rate and sole service provider of the SSA.

It is the mission of the Streetscape and Urban Design Program to keep Chicago neighborhoods vital and prosperous by promoting commercial development through street renovation and beautification.  Streetscaping provides improvements such as sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and other amenities.  Over time, the program has evolved to include the creation of green space, cultural and historic identifiers, decorative architectural elements and traffic-calming elements.  Streetscape design promotes neighborhood commercial, economic and social development.  By providing attractive public areas for neighbors to meet and shop at their community businesses, streetscaping greatly enhances a neighborhoods quality of life.  

In 1999, the Lakeview Chamber began exploring the possibility of Streetscape for the Lincoln/Belmont/Ashland intersection and adjacent blocks.  Upon advice from the City of Chicago, the Chamber sponsored the design of the Streetscape with the hope of expiditing the project faster.  The third anniversary of the design completion is approaching and we have not yet received our funding or subsequent improvements. 

In an open letter to the aldermanic candidates of the 32nd and 44th wards, the Lakeview Chamber asked for a committment to gain funding for the Lincoln/Belmont/Ashland Streetscape Project.  All candidates agreed that the project was necessary and committed to its timely completion.

Our neighborhood desperately needs and deserves this project.  If you would like to see it become a reality, please call either the 32nd or 44th ward offices.  If you are interested in becoming more involved in the Chamber's initiative to complete this project, please contact the Chamber office.