SSA 27
SSA 27 was formally established in December, 2003. One of the pilot programs established during the constitution of the SSA was public way maintenance. This includes sidewalk sweeping all year round and snow removal during the inclement months.
Based on a lack of satisfactory service provided by a variety of vendors, the Commissioners of SSA 27 elected to table the snow removal program for the ‘08-'09 season. Their reasoning was that those funds could be used more effectively in other areas of the budget rather continuing to fund a program that clearly wasn't working.
Please note the following: in the event that a snow fall of more than 6" occurs at one time, SSA 27 vendors will be called into assist in the removal of snow and salt the public way.
The City of Chicago Snow and Ice Removal follows and outlines the responsibilities of the necessary parties.
10-8-180 Snow and ice removal.
Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground.
If the sidewalk is of greater width than five feet, it shall not be necessary for such person to remove snow and ice from the same for a space wider than five feet.
In case the snow and ice on the sidewalk shall be frozen so hard that it cannot be removed without injury to the pavement, the person having charge of any building or lot of ground as aforesaid shall, within the time specified, cause the sidewalk abutting on the said premises to be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust, or some similar suitable material, and shall, as soon thereafter as the weather shall permit, thoroughly clean said sidewalk.
The snow which falls or accumulates during the day (excepting Sundays) before four p.m. shall be removed within three hours after the same has fallen or accumulated. The snow which falls or accumulates on Sunday or after four p.m. and during the night on other days shall be removed before ten a.m.
(Prior code § 36-19)
10-8-190 Liability for civil damages.
Any person who removes snow or ice from the public sidewalk or street, shall not, as a result of his acts or omissions in such removal, be liable for civil damages. This section does not apply to acts or omissions amounting to willful or wanton misconduct in such snow or ice removal.
(Prior code § 36-20)
8-8-190 Violation--Penalty.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter, where no other penalty is provided, shall be fined not less than $5.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense.
(Prior code § 192-19)
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.