Where Trump raced Biden is too.
This whole system right here in the city of tribal race,
the whole system is raced
because you see a black base and a high place.
They're part of the problem too.
And then that's part
of the solution going along to get along.
You know, Harriet Chu said,
I could have freed more black people
if they knew they were enslaved.
See, some of 'em don't know it.
Some of these black folks think they have overcome,
but they still on the white men's plantation.
It's a new plantation.
But the concept is the golden roof.
He who has a golden roof
and the blacks don't have a gold,
so they don't lose nothing.
So they trying to get some of the masks.
And you think the masks don, give it to them. The masks.
It wasn't given to the master.
He took it with the new technology.
What technology did they have over there in Europe, in the
cave in Europe, they discovered the gun and the gun pallet
and, uh, inferior main captured.
Uh, superior means because they embraced the new technology.
And I'm asking you coach page,
she should have all of this on our website right now.
You should be able in your home, see what's going on here.
The, well, the technology is here,
but some people don't embrace it.
So they,
the technology.
Steve White, okay? The gun and the gun passed.
And during that time in Africa, our people wasn't great.
Our greatness during that, this was a dark age for us.
And another people came in and enslaved us
because they had to be technology.
And what was the new technology back then? Mr. Blakemore?
The gun and the gun power.
And they used it to,
and now if you know better, you do that.
I got a captive audience here.
They not looking at me, but they listen.
They looking another way, but they listen.
And I'm using this as a way
of educate in Christ and enlightened my people.
They me, they hear me.
And the wife would hear me too. I had a friend of mine.
I said more, come on up, see the counter
when I go and talk.
Don't nobody getting any tension.
She say, George, they hear you and they see you,
but they heard their face like that straight.
See that kind straight we ignoring you.
They hear me real good.
They never look my weight, no eye contact.
They just look straight. But they hear every down word.
I don't say it. They
hear everywhere.
And I, I didn't realize that.
I said, miss Martha, they don't say me no attention.
She say Joy, they hear you.
Yeah, they hear me and they see me,
but they look this way.
Look like they ignore, they hear every
and they see me too.
And they look, look, look, look at 'em with the Facebook
they hear every day.
This meeting was focused on
in fact, poor leadership.
No leadership. But you are the responsible quarterback
because you are part of that machine too.
Uhhuh, you are part of that machine.
Who would put six needs the same day in the
same time?
Who does that took advantage of the political,
the altar don't beat up on the altar,
beat up on your own set.
And they see that you gotta wait for things that made
that weight on the Lord shall renew their strength.
They should nine or four. Teach me Lord how to wait.
How long are we gonna have to wait for our freedom?
Freedom is not free. Just keep waiting.
Just get on your knees and keep waiting on the Lord.
When you are God's your damn self and you can make a change.
God will given me black people everything they need.
All they have to do is use what God has given them.
And if you don't use what you got to get what you want.
You don't need what you got. You don't need what you got.
If you got a voice and you don't use it, you don't need it.
You don't need it, you don't need it.
And you got something and you not using to benefit you.
You don't need it. You don't need it.
He done gave it to you and you not using it.
Are you trying crook me crazy?
He put me here when I it and I'm using it
and you, they don't.
Yes they do it. No they don't. No they don't.
You use what? You got to get what you want.
And if you don't use what you got, get what you want.
You don't need what you got. You want some damn bread.
You make hot water corn bread. You don't need no eggs.
You don't need no milk. You use what?
You got to get what you want. Damn foolish.
You damn fool. You damn foolish people.
Hell, you want some cornbread.
You don't have no bacon powder.
You don't have no milk, no eggs, eggs.
You make hot butter corn bread. You use what you got.
Get what you want. Stop
that old fake crime Mr. Blake won.
Stop it. Real men cry.
Real. His
it corrupted here.
Not American here.
My people are still on the damn flat Taylor.
And they don't want to be free.
They don't want to be free. Freedom is not free.
Whoever told you freedom was free.
They couldn't have brought us on these shipments.
These men was determined to make a profit.
You going to wr them up and put 'em on that ship
and we gonna make money on it.
We going to work for nothing. Business needs.
They invested in the same trait.
Teach them Mr. If you can't teach em when they don't wanna
learn, you can bring them right to the water
and they won't drink it.
They won't drink it. They don't want it.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
We'll start, um, shortly.
We're waiting for one more, one more member.
So I apologize for the delay.
This time, almost 30 minutes late.
And then some people up here, some them act. Mr.
Blackmore talks all about nobody beat up on black people.
We need to be beat up on our own leadership
just because my, uh, my mom and daddy, I was their best.
Uh, my best friend in my worst enemy called me lady.
They tried to shake me up.
They don't have to go along with me just
because I came from them.
They weren't supposed to be my friend.
I'm not supposed to be black people, friends like that.
Seeing them doing suicide and don't say nothing.
I'm not supposed to be. So,
and I'd say every time I come be me
and black folks get around white folk.
They so sour.
They, so what thing they make on a
plantation a year ago?
What, what comes from black men
and women get know for nine, seven,
you can't do nothing with 'em.
Don, you know these black folks getting paid here. You not.
So that's what makes the difference.
Not you not getting paid here.
You have no economic interest here.
You're not getting paid or die. Now look back.
You being abused here.
You're being abused here.
Look at you. Don't get mad at these people up here.
Look in the mirror of your damn cell.
You, you, you, you your own damn man.
I'm not getting paid. I died here.
I have no economic interest ever.
I couldn't wait to get down here. Put some old paint.
Ain't not even dry. But why you came up?
I came for them to see me, not for me to see them.
I came for them to hear me, not for me to hear them.
Can't stand. Can't stand.
But what about the black? Some of them too.
Some of most of them you cannot
beat up on your people.
Now when they have a little mindset
that have a long, long time ago, it is hard
to change a mind.
You can holler, you can scream, you can cry, you can curse.
Uh, but you it it's no overnight. It is a process.
It's a process. It's a mental process
where you just want to take, come down here and holler
and, and change.
No, no, no, no, no. It's not that easy.
It's thousands of years.
Hundreds of years of slave mentality here.
And you think you going to pick yourself up and come down
and twist up and change them.
My mother hated her nasty hair. Well why?
Because her standard of beauty, being a mama,
good to see her standard of beauty.
They messed up our minds. She's doing better.
So, and her mind of service situation, her mind.
You can do so much with a mind
and so much you can't do when you don't
have the right mindset.
What, what, what? Yeah. Mr.
Blakemore appreciate everywhere you go. Look at me.
See, God has given me the time I got, I got the flow.
I'm Flo Short. Mm-Hmm.
I'm the damn Flo show.
So I'm taking advantage of them being late.
Well, what kind of time they n****r time.
But black folks are always not on time.
These white folks are the same way. Uh, how?
Look, what time it these, they don't have a car.
It is time to turn distance.
You can't do this Mr. Black. You can wear that red hat.
You can holler off. These people are condition.
They condition. You holler, you curse, crying.
Bad condition. I'm focused on black people.
Now look up here. I don't see one no black up here at all.
I think some Mexican Chinese and I even
and one white maybe no white.
So don't beat up on Brandon Johnson.
This, this has been here long before Brandon Johnson came.
It's been here. Here come one now.
But some of our people vote for sanctuary.
What They need sanctuary.
What the hell they vote for somebody else get sanctuary,
food, staff, housing, education.
They, they need it.
Church begins at home. Why would I vote for somebody else?
And, and, and, and I needed my myself and my people need.
Well, they go to get their it because they getting paid.
What these es have to do.
What somebody tell or they won't have that job.
You must say they dont go to make no money like you
to sell junk on the street.
Yeah, they don't want to do that.
They been miseducation, Uhuh.
No, no, no, no. She Venezuela out. Little can.
They opened up a little candy.
Got little children reason making some money.
We don't sell nobody, nothing. We, we are consumer.
We are buy from other people.
They come in your neighborhood. They know you.
We, you don't, you can't go
to no Hispanic neighborhood
and see black people selling anything Uhuh.
You cannot, you cannot.
Anybody don't like,
or me talking out loud, you know what you can kiss.
Any of you others that don't like it,
you know what you can kiss.
And I mean that. I mean that.
Do you know what you can kiss?
Uh, if you don't like it,
Say, because that's the one I'm
Not here handle with you.
My father wasn't supposed to be my friend background.
My mama wasn't supposed to see my friend. She's a mom.
That's a dad. They daddy
and mama
traffic got check.
They directing me to be a better person.
They didn't say that's my son.
I just love I whatever he want to do
with, I love.
What would love have to do with this?
What would love have to do?
It's the same for like, uh,
Trump raise.
I cannot, I cannot continue to vote Democrats,
I cannot continue to do
that for Trump.
Are raised five to anytime you have
a proof of people and they're all the same
Democrats, all the same.
That called 69 all the same.
No, no green parties, no comment.
No All of them.
All of them. All of them.
All of, and you are bad Facebook names.
I told you all to call enter manager
and see if it, they spend millions
of dollars on this technology website.
You should be able to sit at home
and see this line in these various committees.
They have a technology department.
No time. I wouldn't been able to show up and show out
how many minutes of a late 30 minutes.
Mr. Young, sir, how are you? Alright.
I knew you was Russian, but they didn't have a car running.
Oh, wow. I, Mr. Young, they signed up six times,
six times down me.
Good morning everyone. And again, apologies for the delay.
Uh, we just have reached, uh, quorum. Good morning.
The meeting, the meeting of the committee on Economic
Capital Technology development is called to order.
Our first order of business is hearing on SSA number
eight, Lakeview.
We'll now have a roll call to establish quorum. Mr.
Valez, please call the roll
Present.
Mostly,
mostly
Ra Hall.
Hall, Mitchell,
Mitchell, Chico,
Cruz Cruz.
Chairman, I'm remote. Present
Cardona present.
Pec
Mi Napolitano.
Riley
Mana Haworth.
No, we're good. Mm-Hmm. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Valadez.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Aldermans Lawson Res Hall Cruz
Riley Present,
Have requested, uh, to participate
in today's meeting remotely under Rule 40, rule 59.
Rather, may I get a motion
to allow 'em to participate remotely?
Alderman Lee motions to allow Aldermans Lawson Res Cruz
and Hall to participate remotely.
Thank, thank you all. Aye, aye.
The poll say nay and the P of the chair.
The ayes have it all the person,
all the persons are permitted to participate remotely today.
They will be marked as present on the quorum call.
For today's meeting, we have received a written public
comment, which has been shared
with the ECTD committee members via the OneDrive link.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
The meeting will come to order. Let the record reflect.
This is a public hearing that is being held pursuant
to requirements of the state
of Illinois Special Service area tax law 35 ILCs 200
slash 27 dash 25, as amended from time to time,
which I will call the Special Service Area Tax Law in
section 27 dash 35 of the Special Service Area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of general circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people.
And according to the schedule required by applicable Law,
let the reporter mark the notice
as committee's Exhibit one for identification.
Whereas on November 16th, 2011, the city council, the city
of Chicago, the city Council, enacted an ordinance,
the established ordinance,
which was published in the Journal Proceedings
of the City Council for such dates, for such date at pages
14 7 9 5 through 14 8 9 3,
in which established an area known as as
and designated as the City
of Chicago's special Service area number eight,
and authorized the levy
and of an annual tax for the period beginning in 2011
through and including 2025, not to exceed an annual rate
of 0.41% of equalized assessed value
of the taxable property therein,
to provide certain special services in, in and for the area.
In addition to services
provided by and to the city of Chicago.
Generally, this is a hearing to consider.
Three things authorize certain special services areas in
distinct from the initial special services
authorize an increase in the maximum rate
of the initial service tax from an annual rate of 0.41%
to 0.525% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area,
and authorize the extension of the time period
for which levy of the service tax is authorized within the
area from the initial levy period to appear from,
from tax year 2024 through, including tax year 2038.
The approximate street locations of the area consists
of Broadway from Diversity Parkway to Gray Street
on Clark Street, from Diversity Parkway to Fletcher Street
on the west side and Belmont Avenue on the east side on
Halsted Street from Diversity Parkway
to Belmont Avenue on Belmont Avenue.
From Halstead Street to Orchard Street on the south side
of the street and Broadway on the north side of the street,
on the north side of Diversity Parkway from Halstad Street
to one parcel west of Sheridan Road.
The proposal, the proposed special service now to be
provided within the area, include,
but are not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health
and safety programs,
and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development.
The special services may include new construction
or maintenance, some or all the proceeds.
The proposed special of the service tax are anticipated
to be used by an entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entity shall be a service provider.
Pur two, pursuant to services contract each
as defined in the special service area tax law.
These special services would be in addition to services
provided to and by the city of Chicago.
Generally, the service tax under consideration would not
exceed the annual sum.
Appoint five two 5% of equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be extended through the levy period
and would be authorized to be levied annually.
This services tax would be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law, it would be levied pursuant to provisions
of the property tax code 35 ILCS 200 slash one dash one
as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
changes to the initial service, special services,
the proposed service tax at an annual rate of 0.52%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the services tax for the provision
of the special services in the area for appeared through
and including tax year 20, 30, 38.
Please submit those comments to the sergeant at arms.
So those comments can be made part of the public record.
I am in receipt of, uh, written comments or objections, but
before we do that, I would allow the alderman in the area
to provide a statement.
Alderman Lawson,
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Can you hear me?
Yes. Thank you.
Um, uh, happy to be here to support, uh, the reconstitution
and re-upping of SSA number eight.
Uh, you can tell by the number,
this is not a new special service area.
It's been around, um, I think 30 years
and, uh, is really an integral partner, um,
with our strong Lake Hueys chamber,
the who's been the service provider, uh, and,
and putting together a lot of
what really makes our neighborhood work.
Um, we could not keep our community clean if it weren't
for the efforts of SSA eight.
Um, I have a really busy, they have a very busy service area
and city services would not cut it.
Um, the beautification, the public art, um, the dine outs,
you know, they've really, uh, met the moment,
certainly in the last few years when it comes to
the changing business scope that we have on Broadway,
Clark Diversity, um, and some of the other small streets.
So, um, happy to be here to answer any questions.
They have my strong support.
Um, generally, I mean,
we very rarely get a complaints in the community.
Um, there's a lot of positivity there.
Um, and they're, they're very responsive is the other thing.
They're very plugged in. Their email list is bigger than
mine and I'm a little jealous of that.
So, um, it has my full support.
Happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman Lawson, we'll start
with the, uh, public comments.
Our first public comment speaker is Maureen Martino.
And, uh, please be advised
that the public comment is limited
to three minutes per speaker.
Good morning everyone. Good morning.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Um, I'm gonna be brief
'cause we have some property owners
that are gonna speak as well.
I am the executive director
of the Lake View East Chamber of Commerce.
I've been there for 22 years, which is a long time.
I will tell you this, the, uh,
SSA has been in existence even prior to me coming on.
So, as Alderman Lawson said,
this is a continuation of services.
And I just wanna, uh, point out
that our programs are probably, um, emulated
through all the city.
We were the first ones to bring gift card program.
We have a seven day maintenance crew
that not only removes graffiti, they also remove the snow,
and they're out there every day.
And we have private security, obviously.
We have the, uh, uh, a, a large area in a very dense area.
We have property, um, databases
that includes all the vacancies in our storefronts.
You can go to lease in Lakeview
and find every single commercial lease on there.
Um, we really zoom into economic development,
and we also look at, to keep it clean,
we have private security.
Uh, and we, we, we do a lot
of programs in the neighborhoods.
So, uh, as all Alderman Lawson stated,
this is not a new tax.
Uh, quite frankly, our,
our taxing has been on the lower end of most ssas.
And we would appreciate your support. Thank you.
Thank you, Maureen. Our next speaker is
Sam Gano.
Good morning. Good morning.
I've, uh, been in the SSA board area for 18 years,
uh, on the 3,000 block of Broadway, uh,
in a restaurant business.
I've, uh, had a, uh, opportunity to live in a number
of neighborhoods in this particular neighborhood.
Uh, I've had the opportunity to observe how well,
uh, it operates.
It's an important area.
Uh, it's filled with a lot of mom and pop businesses.
It's an important area. Lots of restaurants, lots
of businesses that, uh, perpetuate the growth in the area.
The, the area is, uh, populated by a, a good cross section
of the population too.
So we serve, it's an important section.
I think that the, the,
this East Lakeview area is an important dense area,
population of Chicago.
And, uh, the opportunity to be part of
that has really helped my business.
It's clean, it's well run.
The facades are taken care of regularly.
Uh, I'm, I'm proud to be a part of it.
So, uh, thank you very much for the opportunity. Very much.
Thank you, Sam, for coming down this morning.
Next speaker is Angelo. Tis tis.
Good
Morning. Morning.
Uh, again, uh,
my name's Angela Tis local business owner operator,
property owner representing
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
So service providers for SSA eight.
And kinda wanna reiterate everything that else has been said
by the alderman, by Sam, my fellow, uh, business owner here.
As far as, uh, but I don't want to go into too many things
'cause they've talked about everything.
But the things that are very important to our area, being a,
a landowner and a business operator is the cleanliness.
And this, this program's really important.
It's nice to talk about a program, uh, when it comes
to government that really is well functioning
and works well instead of focusing on the,
uh, things that don't work.
Um, SSA funds security, the beautification SSA,
supports public space improvement, including landscaping,
decorative lighting, uh,
importantly the seasonal decorations
that make the neighborhood more attractive and very vibrant.
Snow removal. This is very important
as they are supplemental service to our commuters
and helps the business and the residents of that area.
Uh, marketing promotions.
I know they do a great job through social media,
special events, boost bus business vi, um, vitality
and visibility and increases our foot
traffic in that neighborhood.
Uh, neighborhood events.
Uh, there's a number of things from Lakeview East Art
Festival to holiday events,
and that just fosters community engagement
and, uh, of course helps
and tracks visitors to our neighborhood street cleaning.
Um, it's a very important additional service
that the SSA provides
and the cleaning service of the manning, uh,
or make it a more welcoming environment for
all the residents and for the visitors.
Um, in conclusion, we're here today
to request the reconstitution of SSA number eight.
The reconstitution is critical to ensuring we can continue
to provide these valuable services.
Without the SSA Nu number eight,
the neighborhood will lose crucial support systems
and enhance business activity and community life.
With your help, we can continue delivering programs
and services that have a meaningful
and lasting impact on our community.
I appreciate your time. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Angelo. Our next speaker is Michael Young Bay.
Last one to come in. Y'all at me this fast.
Wow. Uh,
one second.
Glad. Oh,
Yeah. Um,
I hear
people coming up here talking about services, you know,
whether it's snow removal, uh, cleanliness, lighting,
you know, all them things, you know,
that bring about a prosperous community.
You know, I spoke it almost been a year now,
and I said that, you know, people
that brings the neighborhood down
that's involved in violence
and things like that, they be in dark places, nasty places.
The streets are dirty, et cetera.
You know, they not getting
the snow rule like on the north side, you know?
Um, and I know that for a fact
because I I I, I've been going out my community,
no matter which community I lived in
since I was eight years old.
So I paid attention to the certain services
that certain neighborhoods get.
Like even when you say with the lighting it is,
it's certain neighborhoods that ain't got no lighting.
I heard a man come up here
and speak on, you know, the mom and pop stores.
It stretches of communities where the,
the storefronts just vacant
where it could be the same thing.
But they're not getting the same services though.
They paying the same tax, if not more in taxes.
You know, it depends on where you at.
And that reflects in my people neighborhood.
My people is not getting the services that they are due
or you're not getting the street cleaning
that, that, that is due.
You know, we not getting the development, you know,
that is due, that is long overdue.
You know, these empty lots and things.
All the trash keep blowing.
You know, like, like the timber woods
because it's just a open fields, you know,
it is vacant storefronts,
when are our tax dollars gonna reflect that?
You know, I sit up in here
and I watch all these nice communities get tiff money,
you know, and nothing is being pulled out into our
communities on the south
and west side, you know, from,
from the streets and sanitation.
That's the city job.
You know, if they can hurry up and get the snow
and the garbage and the trash, et cetera,
on the north side downtown,
it should reflect through the whole city.
You see, because y'all keep saying y'all owe the violence.
Oh, the violence, the violence, the violence,
but y'all making a atmosphere for this violence.
Y'all contributing
to this violence without putting the tax dollars
and things re flourish back into these communities.
That's un impoverished. That's, you know,
Thank, thank you, Michael, for your comments.
Appreciate it. You guys. I still got 10
minutes, I mean, nine minutes.
Oh, I'm sorry. You know, so I don't know.
You just, you just, you should gimme an extra
10, 10 seconds. Uh,
Finish your comments, sir. Please. Yeah. Thank you.
Thank you. Because, um, for us to
thrive as a city, as a city as a whole,
no matter what's your race, gender,
or whatever the case may be, we need
to see them services throughout Chicago. Thank you.
Thank you Michael. Uh, next speaker is Lauren. Rebecca.
Hello, my name is Lauren
and I'm representing Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
I'm on the board for the chamber as well
as own a clothing boutique in the neighborhood.
And the SSA number eight is very important.
I see the maintenance crew out there every
day, every morning.
I always make sure to say hi to them
'cause they do an awesome job cleaning up the graffiti
that is often on the building that I'm on.
I'm on a busy street on Clark Street
as well as all the trash.
Like, out the weekends the trash will be filling,
overflowing and they're so great to be out there.
First thing. And Marine's really good at a lot of events.
There's supper club in the neighborhood as well
as we have the art festival,
which usually I'm a vendor for as well.
And I meet so many new customers at that festival, as well
as the Belmont Festival of Music as well.
And also, they have a great gift card program
that if you spend money in the neighborhood,
you get a gift card
and then that gift card can be used at
the businesses in the neighborhood.
So I know a lot of customers that learned about
that from shopping in my store.
'cause I didn't know about the gift card program
until owning a business.
So it's a really awesome program
to shop local in the community, especially
because from my business being a clothing boutique, I have
to compete with so many online retailers like Amazon.
So it's really nice that I know that they're keeping
the money in the neighborhood
because it is such a cute local neighborhood.
Like they said, lots of mom and pop stores.
And it's nice that we do still have a lot
of local businesses and not all corporate businesses.
So I just think it's very important to keep the SSA eight
because they really are just such a great
asset to the community.
Thank you. Thank
You.
Our next speaker is Tom. A
Hello.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Uh, I have been either living
or working in the East Lakeview area for over 50 years.
I'm a property owner there.
We've been business owners there, and I have family there.
I also have, uh, multiple tenants.
We have three commercial buildings at the time.
Uh, those commercial buildings have remained empty for a lot
for a big period of time.
And we've been paying real estate taxes,
a lot of real estate taxes.
Any tenants that we've gained unfortunately have not been
through the good intentions of the chamber,
but actually through signage and what we've done.
But even the tenants that we've gotten,
they have been unable
to pay the real estate taxes, let alone any rent.
So this becomes, this is not an asset or an investment.
This is an anchor. This is a negative.
Um, I have not noticed, and I've been there for a long time.
I mean, it's a beautiful, it's a beautiful neighborhood,
but charging these people and asking my tenants
to pay more taxes, uh, is just gonna destroy small business.
It really is. How can you ask them to pay more
for something they're already paying taxes for
that they already anticipate is gonna be done,
like picking up the garbage, right?
We, we, they, you should be not asking them for more money
for a small business in a commercial area
that's been destroyed as a chamber has said by online, by,
whether it's GrubHub or Amazon
or all the online eBays,
what you should be doing is actually paying the
small business, right?
You wanna open up a small business, we're gonna pay you.
You stay there and you stay open.
We're going to incentivize you to stay there,
not asking them for more taxes.
That's right. You can't, I mean, I mean, they've had enough.
I'm, I I I've been there. I I I'm, I I I'm a janitor.
I know my father's been a janitor.
Uh, so I'm asking you not to tax these people.
I mean, not to tax my tenants, please.
They can't take anymore. Uh, I don't know.
I don't know what else to say. If you have any questions
for me, I'd be more than happy to answer.
But I'm asking you not to, not to taxes
and also not to extend.
If you do pass anything to extend it for 10 years, what's
that gonna do to impending people who wanna come in?
Right? I'm gonna tell 'em you have a special assessment
because you're in a special area, you can't do it.
So I appreciate your time. Do you have any questions for me?
I'd be more than happy to answer them.
I don't have any questions, Tom. Thank
you. No, thank you.
Thank you, Tom. Sir.
Our next, our next speaker is Mr. George Blakemore,
Educate and inform, uh, the residents
of the city of Chicago about the, the Egregious Act.
These SSA, but, but most people don't understand.
You got streets and sanitation,
you got these various departments.
So why would you create, uh, additional tax, uh, uh,
to do the same thing that the other one's supposed to do?
Because of the political hacks, they thought of a way
that they could empower their own machine.
They thought of a scheme under the name
of an SSA,
that mean we have a police department, we have streets
and San we have all these departments,
but an additional pocket of money.
But what makes it so egregious is
that they put their political hacks, uh, in,
for security, for, for cleaning up, for, for advertising.
And, and that was evil. That what's evil?
They put their own.
And, and the people have no choice on who's going
to be appointed on this.
SSA committee.
And it's just a, it's just a, a, a corrupt a grab.
And last time I was here, the people after Mr.
Chico in that 10th ward used to be Susan God's award.
They was just out range.
And what was going on with these SSA. So, Mr.
Blakemore, something different.
You already been taxed,
and then you're gonna be free taxed something evil here.
There's something corrupt him, it something here.
So I'm gonna sign up for each one of those ss a
and I'm gonna spinning this mic about the same thing.
You are doing the same thing over and over.
You're corrupt while Mm-Hmm.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore.
You Mr. Blakemore, your Honor. All of them. Yes. We gotcha.
Um, our next speaker is Jacqueline Moynihan.
Good. Jacqueline Moynihan. All right.
Paul Rright. Paul Rright.
All right. Our final speaker on this issue
is, uh, Twan Sims.
Um, so good morning committee. Good morning.
Morning, Mr. Blake. More So dope.
Sometimes I get, like, I get hung up with the fact
that he can be away,
but, um, when he started educating, Lord,
so Devin McGregor was a 5-year-old who was
murdered in Rogers Park September, 2022.
He was killed in a drive-by shooting.
Also, Kenneth Sandy was, it said this in a headline for him.
Prosecutors rejected murder charge
and Rogers Park shooting due to self-defense.
His name was Kenneth Sandy. He was 30 years old.
He was a boxer.
The reason he wanted to fight was we,
I inspired that in him.
I inspired him to wanna be a boxer.
They, uh, they,
He was fighting two people in the street.
He was not in the ring. And they
rejected the murder charges.
He was simply, that's self-defense.
He was defending himself.
The man that he knocked out got up, shot him dead,
and they, they rejected the murder charges.
He was shot and killed.
Devin McGregor, a 5-year-old, was murdered in the street.
We talk about technology. We talk about technology.
Y'all will allow shot spotted to be taken away,
but still, y'all got these pod cameras.
These pod cameras trace every block from Howard
all the way to divine.
And still was nobody been caught for Devin McGregor.
And still, there's no regard for, um, Kenneth Sandy,
which makes me think that, dang, you gonna kill a murder
of black American here in the city of Chicago
and not get charged for it.
Two men were just shot and killed in a restaurant by, and,
and, and, and what,
And then we talk about the technology body cameras.
So my mother's name, Hazel Sims, I was taking care of her.
She was being abused.
And in, in her defense, I defended my mother.
I was taken out of her home.
But on the body camera, you can hear her defending me,
you can hear her using her voice, telling the truth.
And still, it was disregarded.
I was taking outta my, my mother dead now.
But we talk about technology, y'all allowed them
to take shots by her away,
because y'all do not regard the Black American here
in the city of Chicago.
Nor do y'all regard public safety
for all the residents here in the city of Chicago.
Y'all have crippled the city.
And y'all this from a, this from a black,
this from a black mayor, this from our mayor, a black man
who lived in the city who know the history, know
that y'all put us under the gun.
But see, it's, it's, it's about what Mr.
Blakemore just said.
Um, the, the blatant disregard.
I guess y'all doubt don't care about us in this city, man.
Thank you, Mr. Sims. Uh, for the record, I'd like to add,
uh, Alderwoman Gut terrace to the, the, to the, uh, role.
And then also, uh, also add as a non-member, um,
both Alderman Yancy as well as Alderman Moore.
Is there a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
My name is Mark Roan.
I'm an Assistant commissioner
and the Department of Planning and Development.
Um, I would like to just, uh, start with, uh, uh,
general remarks that the SSA program is a, uh,
voluntary program.
It's a resource that the city offers to
any commercial area in the city.
Um, we receive applications every year, um,
and the local property, uh, owners are the ones that decide
how large their budgets are when they propose these,
how the money is spent.
Um, and that is what brings us here today.
We are following up on those applications.
In the case of SSA number eight,
it's lo located in the East Lakeview community.
In the 44th and 46 wards, alders, Lawson,
and Clay have expressed their support
for the proposed term extension of SSA number eight
DPD is requesting a term extension of 15 years
for SSA number eight, with a levy rate cap of
0.525%.
The boundaries of SSA would remain unchanged.
Two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted to garner input
and to inform the SSA property owners
of the proposed term extension.
SSA stakeholders were presented
with the proposed SSA term extension
and had an opportunity to provide their feedback.
Our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the Lakeview East Chamber
of Commerce, and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for SSA for 2025
for SSA number eight is
$1,183,337
to fund a scope of services
that includes customer attraction, public away, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health and safety.
SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirements
of the S state SSA tax code and DPD policies.
The SSA number eight commission.
Also rec is recommending that Lakeview East Chamber
of Commerce as the SSA service provider for 2025.
This organization has su successfully managed the SSA number
eight since its inception in 1987.
SS and SSA number 17 since 2015.
Um, as you've seen representatives from the sponsor
organizations are here today provide their additional, uh,
comments and details regarding the proposed terms
of the extension of SSA number eight.
We ask for the committee's support in
approving this term extension. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Rohan.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any other resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing
desired an opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed changes
to the initial special services, authorize the levy
of services tax in an annual rate of 0.525%,
and authorize the extension of the initial levy period
and the levy of the services tax for the provision
of the special services in the area for a period through
and including tax year 2038.
They have the opportunity to address the committee
and will wait to be called upon to speak.
Yeah, uh, if you've already spoken, then
I, Yeah,
One Thing, please.
Uh, wait, wait. Uh, please. Um, have a seat. Sir.
Sir, please have a seat
and then identify your name for the record.
Oh, no, you can sit at the microphone.
Hello, I'm Carius again.
I had about a minute out of the three left,
but I just wanted to add one thing.
And the size of this room is about, let's say,
a thousand square feet.
A real estate taxes for a small commercial unit is about,
can be between 10 to $20.
So you're asking a tenant to come in
and pay $20,000 a year
to rent out a space about as big as this room.
They can't do it. The commercial properties are
disproportionately taxed com compared to residential units,
especially if they're standalone commercial properties.
They don't have the benefit of being buffered
by having an apartment above
or the apartments around the area.
So it's, it's a false equivalency.
You cannot say a storefront that has no apartments above.
They're paying two to three times the amount
of taxes in a rate
that some, some of the other ones are paying.
So 0.4% increase in
what they're, what they're already doing.
That's a lot for a small commercial compared to a store
with apartments above.
So $20,000 for this to rent out this, they can't do it.
They can't even open the door. Thank you. Thank you, Tom.
Thank you for hearing me. Appreciate it.
Um, ladies and gentlemen, when you step up to speak,
please identify your name for the record, sir.
Hi. Good morning everyone. My name is, uh, Mike Mor.
Morning. Morning.
Um, I'd just like to say I've never attended a city, uh,
council meeting before, but this
matter is very important to me.
Um, I am a honorably discharged veteran.
I'm a Chicago resident. I'm also a small business owner.
Looks like we have some other
small business owners in this room.
And I'm a property owner at the
700 block of Waveland Avenue.
Uh, my question is, why are we proposed being taxed
for services we should already be receiving, especially
to the tune of a million dollars per year with 15 years,
uh, set in that statute.
Um, also, I'm curious,
what is the approval process for this?
Who do I contact if I don't want this?
If I don't want $2,500?
That's, for me personally,
it's proposed $2,500 per year additional taxes raised
for me individually, single person,
small business owner in Chicago, property owner.
Uh, also, what is the assessment of deliverables here?
I've been hearing a lot about how this will help business,
private businesses, um, how the streets will be clean.
Uh, again, I live on the 700 block of Waveland Avenue,
and a few weeks ago, a man was shot on, uh, Halstead
and Broadway, and he was dripping
blood all throughout the streets.
That blood is still on our sidewalks.
So I'm really curious when I hear comments about, uh,
increased security
and the cleanliness of the area, the upkeep of the area,
I'm wondering where our tax
dollars are already going for there.
Um, also, my, my older person is not here on the call today.
I've been told that, uh, older person,
Angela Clay is in support of this.
Um, but I'm wondering why she's currently not here.
Also, a question about private security.
Um, we live very close to the Addison Police Station.
So why is there a need for additional private security?
And again, how will these services be assessed?
Um, those are questions that as a a taxpayer, i,
I am respectfully requesting answers to.
Thank you. Thank you.
Uh, and sir, um, you asked those questions.
We do have members, uh, we do have, um, uh,
staff from the Department
of Planning Development who could answer your
Questions. Great. I'd love to. Again,
I'm a small business owner,
but I took off work today, uh,
money outta my pocket today because this means a lot to me.
Gotcha.
Uh, next, uh, taxpayer or resident, please,
and just please identify your name for the record.
Hello? Uh, one second.
Let me, uh, also acknowledge, uh, vice Chair Mosley, uh,
for purposes of a quorum, ma'am. Thank you.
Uh, hello. My name is, uh, Ong.
I'm a, a re residential
or property owner of this, uh, SAA number eight.
And I agree with the Paris, uh, speakers
that why we are paying tax, uh, uh, paying s SAS tax, uh,
taxes for the services that we should already
be getting, uh, from the city, like the snow removals,
the street tripping, whatever.
And also, I think the supporter
of the S-A-S-S-A taxes, uh, I think they are
all like business, uh, owners,
but for us, the who, not within the owners.
We, we have resident, uh, properties there.
So what's the benefit for us?
And why are we charging the same tax rate?
If there is a tax, why are we charging the same tax rate
as the business, uh, property owners?
Because we, I don't think we are getting a lot from, from,
from this as a tax.
And yeah. And what's the, it says,
uh, if you want to fire, uh, objection with the, uh, uh,
c uh, city clock.
Uh, so how, how do we find we, I don't see any,
anything from here on how, how do we fire Objection.
Written objection. So
Thank you. I, I have,
uh, some staff from DPD
will help you file the objection.
Thank you. Thank you, ma'am.
Mr. Your name again?
Christian, is the gentleman gonna testify on this one?
Okay.
Yes. My name is Lloyd Mitchell,
and I bought a piece of property in, uh, 79, uh,
7,900 area of, uh,
well, I won't call the street.
But anyway, I cleaned up.
I bought a lot because I, I, I wanted to get a piece
of property in the city of Chicago and I cleaned it up.
It was devastated with drug paraphernalia, garbage, uh,
animals and all of this other kind of stuff.
And I fenced it all in.
And as a disabled veteran,
I'm on a fixed income.
And to tax me when I use government funds
to purchase the property, I don't feel,
uh, that that's fair.
Everybody don't own a business.
But if we do something for a community to help clean it up
and then you don't recognize that
and then you want to tax people just
because you can, I don't appreciate that,
especially as a war veteran.
I don't appreciate that at all.
I think y'all should rethink that tax.
I don't think it's needed. If you start
using good management skills,
you can have the money, just like your household, one
who don't manages have to ask for more money.
One who does don't.
But I haven't seen enough management in this city at all.
People manage that city.
Like they manage their home finances, they're reckless,
they overbuy,
and then they come to the, uh, public for more money.
We don't need that. And me, myself, I wanna find out
how can I object to this tax proposal in writing
because I really don't intend to pay it.
And if I have to go to the federal government and see
and let them know this is the way you treat your war
veterans, I'll do that. That's all.
Thank you, sir. We do have staff from DPD
who can help you file the document
and thank you for your service, sir.
Okay. Where do I locate them at?
DPD staffs right in the crowd. Can you identify yourself?
Right, right there, sir.
Yes, of course. Um, deputy, uh, assistant commissioner, uh,
mark Roan, department of Planning and Development.
Thank you, chairman. So I'd like
to make a statement for anybody.
'cause there seems to be questions about how
to oppose an SSA.
The state statute does allow for that.
It, there's a 60 day window that starts today
where a petition of 51% of the property owners
can sign to object to the SSA
and a second list of of registered voters.
51% of the registered voters within the district
would also have to sign against the SSA.
Both of those lists would need to be submitted
to our department within 60 days from today.
Thank you. Uh, mark.
Registered voters. Okay, ladies
and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing
and the proposed changes to the initial special services
authorizes the levee services tax at an annual rate
of 0.525.
Order please. And the authorization of the extension
of the initial levee period
and the of the services tax for the provision
of special services in the area repeated through
and including tax year 2038.
Let the record reflect the public hearing in this matter was
concluded at 10:38 AM on
October 10th, 2024.
That concludes the public hearing
Life.
I'm glad people are waking up up.
I thought you were.
And they, okay,
So do me a favor. The other one's
just right down
Scheme for the political hack.
So, extra month
Morning, everyone.
On next Order of Business is a hearing on SSA 32 dash 2024.
We'll have a roll call to establish quorum. Mr.
Valadez, please call the roll
Present.
Moley Ra
Paul Mitchell Chico
Lee Gutierrez Lopez
Tabba Cruz Cardona
Wapac, MIT Napolitano
Riley Mana Hapworth.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Aldermans Napolitano Cruz Hall
and AVAs have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely.
Under Rule 59, we have a motion
to allow them to participate remotely.
Alderman Riley Motions to allow
Aldermans Napolitano Cruz Hall
and Tabba to participate remotely.
All those in favor say aye. Any opposed, say nay.
And the opinion of the chair of the ayes have it.
All the persons are permitted
to par participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
The meeting will come to order. Let the record reflect.
This is a public hearing that is being held pursuant
to requirements of Section 27 dash 35 of the State
of Illinois Special Service Area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of general circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people.
And according to the schedule required by applicable Law,
let the reporter mark the notice
as Committee's Exhibit one for identification.
This is a hearing to consider the establishment
of special service area number 32 dash 2024, referred
to hereafter as the area
and the authorization of the levy
of a specialist annual services tax for the provision
of certain special services.
The approximate street location
of the proposed area would consist
of the territory along 79th Street from Lafayette
Avenue to Damon Avenue.
The purpose of establishing the area will be provide
to provide special services within the area.
The proposed special services to be
provided within the area include,
but not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health,
safety programs, and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development, which will be here
and referred to collectively as the special services.
The special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some are all the proceeds.
The proposed services tax are anticipated to be used
by an entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entity shall be a service provider pursuant
to services contract each
as defined in the special service aerial tax law.
The special services would be in addition to services
provided to and by the city of Chicago, generally,
the services tax under consideration would not exceed the
annual sum of 1.75% have equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be authorized
to commence in tax year 2024 and to be levied annually until
and including tax year 2038.
The services tax would be in addition to all other taxes
provided by, by law,
and would be levied pursuant to the provisions
of the property tax code 35 I ls 200 slash one dash
one as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
establishment of the special service area 32 dash 2024,
please submit those comments to the Sergeant at Arms
so those comments can be made part of the public record.
Is there a statement from the alderman in the area?
No, no, no. Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
This Mike on. Yeah, it's on. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm committed. I'm David Moore, alderman of the 17th Ward.
Uh, I, I'm coming
before you to ask my colleagues for, um, their support
on the establishment of SSA number 32 20 24,
um, um, contracting for a new service provider
and that, uh, the, um, Chatham Business Association.
Um, this SSA has been in, um,
the SSA 32 itself has been in place, uh,
for well over, um, 20 years.
It was under another, another provider.
And, um, as we, um, develop, um, 79th Street,
which is growing, I'm just excited about the new
development that's coming in.
We have Tori Berry here with, um, evergreen.
Imagine who's doing, um, you know, too great, um,
affordable housing units with commercial, uh,
I think it's a total of, I remember I like 49 units, um,
that's coming to that street.
We have a, um, a great restaurant here.
And, um, that's, that's, um, just came.
Um, and I moved from one spot to another.
In other words, they expanded, um, making it,
um, like it's downtown.
And that's Jerk Villa.
Um, and we just have a host of businesses including,
um, um, others.
Um, ate of Food
and Liquors who's been in the community
for well over 40 years.
All of them who have been, um, added value
to our, um, community.
We have, um, the Nation of Islam, um, here, who house, um,
the final call, um, there
and a restaurant there at, um, center,
ninth Street and a banquet hall.
All these have been good business leaders in our community.
And so, um, what, what, what has happened in terms of the,
um, SSA is
provided not only, um, a good clean, um, community,
and I understand yes, streets
and Sanitation is supposed to do their jobs,
but as you all know, I have a Keep Chicago Clean Ordinance
out there because no matter what, uh,
we are wearing down our streets and sand
and businesses get fined if they're not, um, keeping their,
um, businesses clean.
Businesses get fined if they don't have property security.
So what they've come to do
with this extra tax is come together
where they can have some extra security, where they can do,
get some extra cleaning and, and,
and enhance the community as well as with events.
And so I'm proud to support, um, this SSA
and making sure that 79th Street
and the Auburn Gresham community, um, continue to survive.
And we are extending it, um, um,
all the way down at the behest of residents wanting it
to be extended from, um, just going from 79th
and, uh, Lafayette to 79th.
And, um, um, it was stopping at Ashland.
Now we're extending it all the way to Damon.
And not only that, here's the great part about it.
Under the previous SSA, the tax, uh,
would've remained the same,
but this, um, provider is reducing, um, that tax number.
And so we are getting more businesses to come in.
This tax has now spread over more
businesses and it's been reduced.
But not only this, this is what I was excited about.
Uh, we had a minimum number of
businesses that we had to get on.
They exceeded that greatly mi which means, um, the demand
for this service is great.
So I'm happy, um, to join my brother, um, alderman will, um,
hall, who's my colleague in the sixth ward that, um,
butts up against the 17th ward on 79th Street
and making sure that this SSA go to.
And I hope I can have your favorable
consideration on this item. Thank you.
Thank you. Altman Moore, alderman Hall, would you like
to pro provide testimony as well?
Uh, our next speaker, uh, will be Leonard Mohammed.
And just to remind people, when you come to the mic, please,
um, identify yourself for the record.
Thank you.
Already got that. I got him right there.
Morning, It is a pleasure
for me to be here this morning to voice my support on behalf
of the Nation of Islam for Chatham Business Association.
And I thank, uh, our Alderman Alderman Moore
for his comments, which were very clear.
This organization has been in our community for decades,
and they've done a tremendous job in
promoting business development.
And it's a pleasure now for them to expand
and take this responsibility that they're taking
for 79th Street.
As we heard in alderman's comments,
they've even expanded the area and the,
and the participation, which is something
that they are known for.
It's real important that all of these organizations that
provide these services are capable, have a history
of providing service,
and that would be true of Chatham Business Association.
The Nation of Islam has two businesses on long 79th
Street historic businesses.
One is a Salam restaurant
and the other one is the final call newspaper.
Uh, these two businesses are, are
really, uh, well known
throughout the city,
and we are looking forward to, we were the first
major investment along 79th Street.
Years ago. We invested $5 million in the Islam restaurant
with no funds from any other source except ourselves.
And that's was, and at that effort,
and my judgment sparked the development that we see now
where millions of dollars are coming in
to continue this effort to improve this area.
Um, it's my pleasure to voice my support,
but I'm hoping that you all will see this proposal, uh,
for Chatham Business Association, very worthy as it is.
And I thank you all very much
for allowing me an opportunity to speak. Thank you. Thank
You, Mr. Muhammad.
Next speaker is Tatiana Williams.
She's not here. Okay.
Next speaker is Yolanda Manuel. Manuel.
Good morning, everyone. Wow.
I have to say that when I came in,
I had a already contrived speech, but after hearing Mr.
Blakemore in my ear, and trust me, Mr.
Blakemore, I heard you,
and I am a ultra conservative individual.
I just wanted to let you know that.
And concerning the SSA 32, I, um,
let me just first and say, first
and foremost say that I own a hardware business.
Um, it's located 1650 West 79th Street,
and that business has been in a community since 1968.
I am the third generational owner,
and it's the first one of the first black owned
and operated hardware businesses independently operated
and owned businesses in the city of Chicago.
So I am blessed to have the honor
of continuing on that legacy.
Um, to be honest, when I first started coming
to the SSA meetings, I had some of the same concerns
that other people had.
It didn't make sense to me that a tax would be levied for,
um, services
that most people have said should already be offered
for our communities based on the taxes that we pay already.
So, I just wanna say this
because I'm, my, my, my understanding of all of this is not,
and I have to be honest, I'm, I'm not as astute
as I probably need to be,
but I will say that where my, where my business operates,
we need all of the services that we can.
So if that even means me having to pay more monies to
realize that, because when I call 9 1 1,
they don't always respond when I call for certain services,
they're just not there.
So being able to maintain
what goes on in our community at the expense
of paying more money, personally, if I have the resources,
I'm willing and I'm ready to do it.
I also support the SSA
because I love the, um, management, uh,
or the, um, the, uh, Chatham Business Aval,
the Chatham Business, Chatham Aval,
Avalon Business Association.
In terms of what they have been for me,
they have been a great source of support.
They, they, um, um, they are always pointing me
to opportunities to better enhance my business.
Um, they have personally given me ideas on how to, um,
expand my corporation.
So I am fully in support of the organization.
And there was another, and I wanna get into that right now,
but there was another agency that, um,
I guess maintained the, uh, SSA
before in, in my opinion,
they just didn't do as well of a job.
So I believe that, uh, the CBA will do an excellent job
because personally what they have been for me,
so I am in full support of it,
SSA 32, um,
Being enacted.
Thank you, Ms. Manuel.
Next public commenter is Jennifer Atkins.
Good morning everyone. Jennifer Atkins,
executive Director, Chatham Business Association.
Um, I'm a small business owner.
I know what small business owners
in the Auburn restroom area we're here on
79th Street are going through.
And what mo, what's most important about this, uh,
SSA being active is that it's gonna give them that combined
funding to get services done.
That's in addition to what the city's already doing.
So that, uh, pooled money will give them
cleaner streets, safer streets, local buy programs,
economic development, uh, customer engagement
and retention, facade enhancement programs.
That's only available through the SSA.
And they would also give them that technical assistance
that the Chatham Business Association is so well known for.
If a small business owner, for example,
is shut down, who do they go to?
Luckily, if you're within an SSA,
you would call the service provider,
which would be the Chatham Business Association,
which we already manage an SSA in Chatham, SSA 51.
So there's so many things that a small business
and an entrepreneur in a place like Auburn Gresham is going
to go through, and strong service
provider will provide them that.
In addition to those, again, those, those pool funds
that an SSA provides,
it's gonna give them those additional services
to make sure their streets are clean
and the snow is removed.
And the, you know,
we have teams fill crews out every day
picking up the debris.
Another thing that we're, uh, doing for our ssas,
um, will be, um, a database.
We have a building to business database
that we're addressing the vacancies.
So we're, we're getting together with the property owners.
We're linking them up with entrepreneurs
and business owners who, who want a storefront
within the SSA.
And we're helping both of those entities
with resources in order to get our vacancy rate down.
It's called the busin Building
to Business Vacancy Abatement Program Initiative.
So I look forward to, um, you know, just taking this on
and, uh, we have a excellent track record
and, um, it's gonna be great. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Atkins.
Next speaker is Mr. Tory Barrett.
Hi, good morning. Thank you for the opportunity.
Tori Barrett. I am a developer
and business owner in the Chatham, um, community in the,
uh, Auburn Gresham community.
I am in full support of the, uh, SSA, uh,
32 on behalf of Chatham Business Association.
Uh, one of the things as a developer that I got tired
of seeing throughout the city of Chicago
is developers come in, build a development,
and then leave the retail space empty.
And so you have a bunch of apartment buildings
with no retail space active in these developments.
So me and my business partners decided that
that's not gonna be the case for us.
So we are in the process of, uh,
we'll be cutting the ribbon in probably the next 30 days
on two buildings, uh, totaling 58 units on, um,
79th Street.
One building is on the corner of Halstead,
the other one is just West Katy Corner to Leo High School.
But more importantly than just building those developments,
we're also activating the retail space
that are in those developments.
The one retail space will be the headquarter, uh,
for IO food, which is the fastest growing, uh,
rest African food brand in the country, uh, which is owned
by my business partner, Fred Spencer and his wife.
And then the other one on the corner of 79th
and Holster will be bringing a full service restaurant
where people in the community can sit down
and have a decent meal.
They don't have to go to downtown,
they don't have to go to Hyde Park.
They can go right there in their own community and walk
and have, uh, a decent meal and entertainment.
Uh, one of the things that, uh,
I like about Auburn Gresham is that the community stood up
and said, Hey, we don't like what you're presenting
with your first development.
I idea. They said the building is too dense.
We had 58 units in one building.
They made us take a step back.
We had, uh, around 17 community meetings with the residents,
and we came back and gave them something that they thought
that they wanted to support.
And so, you know, understanding that this is a community
that, uh, the people and the residents
and the community are highly invested in
what transpires in that community.
I think it's important that they have that extra, uh,
support for these businesses through this association.
So I'm a full support of it.
I've been working very closely with the alderman.
I've been working very closely with the Nation of Islam
and everything that they're doing.
Uh, we have the new metro station that's there.
We have all this investment that's coming,
and now is the time to continue
to invest in this particular community.
So thank you for your time. Thank you
Mr. Barrett. Thank you Mr. Barrett.
Next speaker. Mr. George Blakemore.
I'm very astute with government.
I'm black and I've gone to that community.
High crime, abandoned buildings,
inferior schools, mental health.
They need that. But to put an additional tax
on on that community, it's,
it's disgraceful.
The tax, the poor.
They've already been taxed with the general tax
for police department for a snow removal.
Then come back in another layer, a doodoo on that same cake.
And the one that come about the mother that, that,
that honor, Elijah Moham had that business.
They, they had it open these new Muslim,
that building is closed.
It's been closed. So
that whole neighborhood is eyes sore.
So for you, I'm already poor and,
and I I already have high crime,
poor schools, not safe park.
And then for you to come in,
you are already texting me once, then you going to come in
and make an additional tax.
I don't know who in the hell you think I am
or who are you with this mess?
SSA So, you know, sometime
the black man have been miseducated.
He have gone to school, has his degree in business,
but he's been miseducated.
Maybe that'll you need additional
money from the city of Chicago.
You need your reparation.
You should make them pay for the balance
and the poor school that's in your neighborhood.
No economic development,
but to ask the poor an additional tax,
who in the hell you think you are,
or who in the hell you think I have?
Or who in the hell you think I am?
No, you don't need no a a there.
And then she came up so sophisticated, say Mr.
Bramo Holland in I ear, when our people started
that business, they didn't have a a when they started
that hardware store, when they started
and built that, uh,
the Muslim bill did they have an SA then these are new breed
of a reject back.
A ancestors would hate you.
They hate you for what you have become
or disgrace to the black community and to ancestors.
So we got this Muslim, it saves clothes,
you got high crime, all of that.
And you gonna come up here and sit down
and then talk to the people like you helping them with
that tip hat on when, who in the hell you think you are,
or who in the hell you think I am.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore. Our next speaker
is Tyler Holland.
Thank you for having me today. Tyler Holland.
Um, I am the Director
of Real Estate Development at East Lake
Management and Development Corp.
I'd like to echo Tory Barrett's comments, um,
on the investment that has occurred
and is occurring in the Auburn Gresham community.
Um, and we need to keep that momentum going.
Um, east Lake has been operating within Auburn Gresham, uh,
on the commercial corridor for over 35 years.
We have a commercial building at the northeast corner
of SE 79th and Halstead and several other properties.
We are supportive of renewing the Auburn Gresham SSA, so
that local businesses and entrepreneurs in the community
have the available resources that the SSA provides, such
as corridor cleanliness
and maintenance, community events, seasonal aesthetics,
security, and facade improvements
to promote increased business.
The services that the SSA provides will help provide a safe,
happy, healthy environment
and promote economic development in the corridor.
Eastlake is familiar
and supportive of the Chatham Business Association's amazing
work in the community, and we look forward to working
with them as a new SSA service provider.
I appreciate your time. Thank you.
Thank you, Tyler. Uh, I'd like to, um, recognize
Alderman Mitchell for purposes of quorum.
Our next speaker is Tony Shaw.
All right. Next speaker is
Meum Ko.
Good morning. My name is Meum Kouri.
Um, I own property
and have been a business owner within SSA
32 20 24 for four years.
And I am a co-chair of the business subcommittee
for the sixth District, uh, Chicago Police Department.
I served as a commissioner on the SSA 32,
and I understand the potential of expanded services
and programs that a dedicated property tax can fund.
I am eager to utilize my experience as a SS as a,
a commissioner for SSA 32 20 24
to help focus on property maintenance, street escape,
and corridor, corridor ification, thereby contributing
to the improvement of our community.
My relationship with the Chatham Business Association began
before the establishment of SSA 32 20 24.
I was exploring an idea of operate of, um, opening
a business in partnership with a local community member.
CBA was instrumental in guiding us through the process
and providing us valuable resources.
In 2021, I, along with neighboring
businesses within the Auburn Gresham,
attended a strategy workshop for the corridor ated by CBA.
This collaborative event allowed us to discuss the
strengths and assets of Auburn Gresham
and the challenges we face.
I eagerly look forward to more such meetings
where we can collectively promote economic development,
business marketing and safety within the SSA theory 2 20 24.
I am in support of the application of the CBA as a provider
for SSA 32 20 24. Thank you. Thank
You.
Our next speaker is Melanie Shaw.
Melanie Shaw
Is there a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good morning. I'm Mark Rosin, assistant Commissioner
with the Department of Planning and Development.
SSA 32 dash 2024 is located in the Auburn Gresham community
in the sixth and 17th Wards.
Alderman Hall and more have expressed their support
for this proposed SSA,
which will replace the former SSA number 32
that expired at the end of 2023.
DPD is requesting a term of 15 years for this SSA
with a levy rate cap of 1.75%.
The boundaries of the SSA are along 79th Street from
Lafayette West to Damon Avenue.
Two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted to garner input
and to inform SSA property owners,
our department has reviewed the application doc documents
submitted by the sponsor, the Chatham Business Association,
and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2025 is $433,550
to fund customer attraction, public way, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health
and safety SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirements of the state SSA tax code
and DPD policies.
The SSA 32 dash 2024 Advisory Committee is also
recommending that the Chatham Business Association, uh,
be the SSA service provider for 2025.
This organization has successfully managed SSA number 51
since its inception in 2010,
and is a delegate agency for the City
of Chicago and State of Illinois.
Representatives from the sponsor sponsor organization have
been here today to provide additional details
and comments regarding the establishment of this SSA.
We ask for the committee's support in approving
this term extension. Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Rohan.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing desires an
opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed establishment,
the special service area number 32 dash 2024,
please communicate with the sergeant in arms
so you may have an opportunity to make those
comments or objections.
Is there any member of the public taxpayer interested person
who wishes to make a statement with respect to this matter?
Please come to the mic and identify yourself.
My name is Michael Young Bay.
Um, a lot of people
that's in this room ain't been on 79th Street,
especially in the area.
What they advocating for
and what the alderman, uh, spoke on.
So y'all don't know
or have a visual in your mind of how that area look.
79th is the longest street in the city of Chicago.
Okay? It also is the worst street in the city of Chicago.
Yeah. From CI row to the lake, the most violent,
the most beautiful, the most impoverished, the most, um,
you know, trash.
I'm just, I can't, I can't think of another name.
You know what I'm saying? We can go from 79th from the lake
all the way through trash.
You talking about some villa
and they done fell off if you talking about they food.
But, um, anyway, that restaurant ain't clean like that.
That restaurant don't reflect the neighborhood.
The Nation of Islam restaurant has been closed, you know,
and it ain't getting no support when it first jumped off in
the door because y'all were charging 50, a hundred dollars
for a plate of food with some two sides in the one piece
of chicken or whatever y'all was, you know, you know, um,
that don't reflect that area.
You know, it don't reflect that area.
Y'all not, y'all not y'all not
employing people in that area.
Y'all not reaching to the community in that area.
But yet you want to tax that area on top of a tax.
You want to double jeopardy the people, you know,
and you got people coming up here advocating for that,
saying they little, oh, the business association
of what's name y'all sound like some salesmen, some cons,
men, you know, just like you, you looking over there with
that suit on a con man, a calm man grin.
Some people can look in the face
of people and see who they are.
You don't represent that ward
and you don't represent them people.
You a disgrace.
Thank you.
Seeing no other members
of the public taxpayer interest person wishing
to make us, I apologize.
Please step to the, please step to the mic
and identify yourself.
Christian, please help her. Thank you.
Hi, my name is Sarah Stewart and I live, oh, hi.
My name is Sarah Stewart and I live in Chatham area,
but I live on 83rd and Lafayette
and I used to live in the area
where they're talking about on 79th.
I'm, I left there and went to further over to Chatham area.
'cause that area over there they're talking about it
has, it's really bad.
And I moved over there till 83rd.
I've been there for like 15 years now.
And we had been fighting for, um,
Buddy Bears not to come in our, in our community.
If they wanna do something, you know, support the area.
Why do every area have
to be a Buddy Bears in our neighborhood?
That's a car wash on 83rd that we had been fighting against.
And this Chatham area, they supposed to be, um, helping
the community open up new places
and move new things in these areas.
But I didn't, I haven't seen anything
but a buddy Bears and whatever.
And what the people were saying about 79 is totally true.
It is underdeveloped and it is not.
Forgive me now, now I'm talking about 79 going towards,
like he said, south shore area over down that way.
And everything I, I understand about all aggression there is
approving things over there,
but it's just in that particular Sigma in that area.
That's all I need to say.
Thank you,
sir.
Good morning. My name is Jerry McGee. Good morning.
I live around the corner from her
and, um, all I see is a bunch of businesses who offer this,
and maybe they don't have any problems paying extra
or double property tax, but a lot of us will.
And I don't think that we should have to pay
for extra services that we should already be getting
with the property tax that we're currently paying.
Good Morning. Morning. Uh, my name is Darcy Carter.
I've lived in a neighborhood, uh, since 1985.
Um, my parents moved there
and, um, right now the house that we live in,
um, my mom is 85.
The house is in her name.
Uh, all she has is a Social security check. Very low.
It's low, it's about $1,100 a month.
Um, I'm very emotional right now
because I don't, she's basically gonna be driven out
of her home, uh, with increased taxes.
She doesn't have, um, the funding
to whatever the increased tax is.
And I haven't heard anything about
how much the increase is gonna be.
We got the letter. I came here on behalf
of my family to represent us.
Um,
I don't understand why residents
who are homeowners in the community have to
have their taxes increase for these services,
which the city should already be providing.
Um, I recently came to understand
that the police budget in the city of Chicago, whatever
that public number is, it's not really reflective of
how much we spend on the police.
Um, there's other funding for fleet communication, whatever,
that's under different departments.
So we really don't know what the true number is.
And it looks like some of the money that the City
of Chicago pays out for, um, corrupt behavior.
Multiple millions of dollars, tens
of millions, a hundred million.
I don't know how much it is. It's a really high number.
But, um, as far as public safety is concerned,
because it real, I don't think it really matters what kind
of development happens if people can't feel safe
and walk in their neighborhoods.
I think we deserve a walkable neighborhood.
Like people on the north side have.
Um, I believe we deserve a walkable neighborhood
where we have places to go and eat and shop
and just be in community with one another without having to,
uh, put that burden on homeowners in that community.
I don't know what the percentage of home ownership is in
that community, but, uh, I believe that
because I've lived there, uh, it basically in
that neighborhood, uh, almost my whole life, uh, a lot
of them are, are older people.
They're senior citizens.
Um, and I think it's just unfair that
that burden be put on them.
I think that money can be found and there needs to be money.
I think number one, for public safety community-based public
safety programs.
And I think it needs to come out of the police budget.
Um, we're not gonna police our way
into public safety is gonna be community-based.
And I think that funds from the, the police department need
to go to public safety community-based programs.
Thank,
Thank you Alderman Riley.
Chairman, I, I have a question for the department related
to the composition of the SSA we're discussing right now,
Followed by Alderman Mitchell.
Um, good morning. Uh, so I have one question
for the department, and that is,
how many residential tax pins are included
in this SSA boundary?
Uh, alderman, I, I don't have the exact number for,
for SSA 32 dash 2024.
Um, there, there are a few, um,
um, I would have to get back to, to the committee with
that exact breakdown, and
That'd be, that's fine.
Um, and I don't need, excuse me, Mr.
Blakemore, I don't need a, um, an exact number right now,
but are we talking about a handful?
Are we talking about a dozen? Are we talking about a hundred
In this case? It's,
it's, uh, it's spread out along this, the strip.
It's probably less than, uh, 20 of the,
um, properties.
And ballpark how many total properties included in
the boundary of the SSA?
There are a total of 575 property, uh, pins. Okay.
In this proposed SSA, so
Through the chair, I'd like to know how many
of those pins are residential?
There are no residential pins.
Excuse me. Um, are you representative from
record Chairman?
PPD, can you please come
To the mic? Speak to the record please?
Yeah, speak to the record please. Thank
you, representative.
Okay. And if you can just identify yourself
for the record, we appreciate it.
My name is Melinda Kelly.
I'm president of Chatham Business Association.
We're unapologetically commerce first.
So when we draw our SSA boundaries, we make sure
that there are no residential pens
and we work with our consultant.
Um, and as we re mapped it, any place
where there's a resident,
even if there was a business on it,
we didn't even go down that street.
Not that we won't provide them services, but
because we don't offer services to residents,
we didn't include them in this study.
Very good. Uh, the, the reason I asked chairman is, is
that's exactly how we constitute ssas
and the award that I represent.
Um, to your point, um, these special services are intended
to foster a better environment for economic development
and to support commerce.
Um, and that should not be at the expense
of the local resident has been, has been.
I think the point has been made
over and over again this morning.
And I think, uh, in an articulate fashion, um, that
residents and residential taxpayers deserve their
basic services, right.
And shouldn't have to pay extra.
Um, so I'm glad that we clarified that.
Uh, and it's my hope that, that all
of the ssas we review moving forward
or exclusionary of, of residential pins.
'cause that isn't fair to the homeowner.
Um, so thank you chairman for, for that clarification.
Thank you. Alderman Riley, alderman Mitchell.
Okay. Thank you. Alderman Moore, did you wanna thank you.
Okay. Okay, cool.
Yeah, I'll speak to, and I, I thank you au Riley for, um,
asking that question and that,
and that's what I was gonna get at.
Um, sometimes misinformation get out.
Um, but I've worked closely, um, with this, um, SSA
and I can assure, um, my constituents,
there are no residential pens within that.
Um, SSA, um, now when you say residential less, okay,
you got businesses that a, that are, uh,
we're developing, right?
And I wanna be clear on my statement.
Uh, we got a new development that's coming up on, um,
79th Street residential developments.
But with commercial at the bottom, they will be impacted.
But those are renters and not, um, homeowners.
And it's, it is those businesses with, um,
residential units at the top.
So when I say that from that standpoint, it, it, it's,
it's still a commercial, you know, type property.
So I just wanna be clear, but no, um, homeowners, um,
will be impacted by this.
SSA. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Alderman Moore. Alright.
My, My, Mr Mr Mr.
Blakemore, you already spoke on this issue, sir.
This, this white guy spoke twice on the same page. Mr.
Mo, Mr. Moore, ma'am. He works for the city. Is Mr.
Ro, he's a deputy assistant Deputy commissioner. Sir.
Mark Rohan? No, I'm
Not talking about him.
I'm talking about that other one
that was sitting right here.
That's the one I'm talking about.
You letting him think twice. You take care.
Okay. Mi Mr. Mr.
Blakemore, we've had you signed up
for every I know it opportunity.
I'm using my rights as mayor.
You, he spoke more than once.
Mr. Mor, Mr. Blakemore, I,
I'll allow you to speak one minute. Please.
Allow me to speak one minute. What you gonna do?
Lock me up. If I speak two or three.
You going to get the police to drag me out.
That man spoke more when he came up here. I watched color.
I watched how you, the whites and how you treat the blacks.
He, he wasn't confined to one minute.
He Was confined to one Minute.
Anyway,
stop it.
I'm going speak all the time, but I, I signed up
and I'm gonna show you better than I can tell
you I'm not over
There. Thank you. Mr. Blackmore
Ate me.
I'm not and you're not gonna
Treat me. Ladies
And gentlemen, Mr.
Blakemore, please. Ladies
and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing on the
proposed establishment, the special service area 32 dash
2024, and the authorization of the levee services tax
for the provision of the special service.
Special services. Let the record reflect
that the public hearing in this matter was concluded at
11:23 AM on October 10th, 2024.
That concludes this public hearing.
I
This is Mike.
Something gonna work. They happen here.
Nobody you guys are, uh, saying
what as an exhibit.
Are we talking about these things here?
Am I supposed to be marking most Okay, got it.
Do
names and stuff.
Yeah, we get you that. We'll get you whatever you need.
So names, if I got skaters,
stick picture it.
List that you gave papers.
It doesn't seem to have everybody.
I, if you're reading and there are people from the chambers,
then people from me, we don't have their list.
They sign up. Yeah.
So we, we we, we'll provide you any copy
of all new sign-ups.
Hundred percent. Alright,
Our next order of business is hearing.
Our next order of business is a hearing on SSA number 42.
We will now have a roll call to establish quorum. Mr.
Valez, please call the roll
Viegas Present.
Mostly Present
How?
Mitchell Mitchell Kiko
Lee Lopez.
Tab Cruz
Pac Mi
Present Napolitano
Present Riley?
Here,
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum
Aldermans Cruz Hall Napolitano EZ
and MITs have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely under Rule 59.
And they get a motion to allow 'em to participate remotely.
Alman Lee motions to allow Alderman's Cruz Hall, Napolitano,
tabes, and MI to participate remotely.
All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed, say nay.
Independent chair. The ayes have it.
All the persons are permitted to participate remotely today.
They will be marked as present on the quorum call.
Morning. Ladies and gentlemen,
the meeting will come to order.
Let the record reflect this is a public hearing
that is being held pursuant to the requirements of State
of Illinois Special Service aerial tax law 35 IL CS 200
slash 27 dash five as amended from time to time,
which I'll call the special area Special Service area tax
law, and Section 27 dash 35
of the Special Service Area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of general circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people
and according to the schedule required by applicable law,
let the rec let the reporter mark the notice
as committees Exhibit one for identification.
Whereas on November 15th, 2006, the City Council of the City
of Chicago enacted in ordinance as amended
by an ordinance acted
by the city council on November 1st, 2016 is further amended
by an ordinance enacted
by the City Council on December 9th, 2015.
The first ordinance, the A amend the amendment ordinance in
the levee extension ordinances are collectively referred
to herein as the established ordinance,
which established an area known as a
and designated as the City
of Chicago Special Service area number 42,
and authorized the levy of an annual tax
for the period beginning tax year 2015 through
and including tax year 2024, not to exceed the annual rate
of 2% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property therein,
to provide certain special services in and for the area.
In addition to the services provided by
and to the city of Chicago.
Generally, this is a hearing to consider. Three things.
Authorize certain special services in the area,
authorize a levy of services tax at an annual rate, not
to exceed 2% of equalized assess value
of the taxable property within the area,
and authorize the extension of the time period
for which the levy of the services tax is authorized within
the area from the initial levy period
to a period from tax year 2024 through
and including tax year 2038,
The appropriate street location
of the area consists approximately the areas consist of
Stony Island Avenue from 67th Street to 73rd Street,
and the West side only
of Stony Island Avenue from 73rd Street to 79th Street
and 71st Street from South Shore Drive to Kimbark Avenue.
The special services to be provided with an area include,
but are not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health
and safety programs,
and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development.
The special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some are all the proceeds
of proposed service tax are anticipated to be used
by any entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide special services into the area,
which such entity shall be a service provider pursuant
to services contract each as defined
as special service aerial tax law.
These special services would be in addition to the services
provided to and by the city of Chicago, generally,
the services taxed under consideration would not exceed the
annual amount of 2% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be an ex
extended through levy period.
It would be authorized to be levied annually.
This services tax would be in addition to all their taxes
provided by law and would be levied pursuant
to the provisions of property tax code 35
ILCs 200 slash one dash one as amended from time to time.
If anyone wish wishes Tori
to submit written comments from the special services,
the proposed services tax at an annual rate of 2%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the services tax for the provision
of the special services in the area, prepare it through
and including tax year 2038.
Please submit those comments to Sergeant at arms so
that comments can be made.
Part of the record. Is there a
statement from the Alderman in the area?
Good morning, chairman. Uh, members of the committee
and, uh, attendees in this meeting.
My name is Alderman Desmond Ysy.
I represent the fifth ward of which, uh, large part
of this SSA resides.
And I'd like to, uh, say thank you
to the SSA commissioners members
of the South Shore faith community, business community,
and South Shore residents.
We're here present supporting, um,
this extension of the SSA.
And I'd like to talk a little bit about
the great work that they're doing.
Um, you know, administering our facade enhancement program,
providing extra safety
and security along 71st Street corridor, um,
hiring a local business to be able to do that.
Uh, street cleaning is done by, uh, operation Clean Slate,
which provides resources
and jobs to, uh, returning citizens who have, uh, uh, return
to our community after spending time in prison.
Um, they, uh,
support longtime cultural events like our holiday stuff.
And, um, importantly our Southshore, uh, summer Fest,
which just, uh, finished its 10 year, 10th year,
uh, in the community.
And provides just a lot of community resources
that has been mentioned here today, have been, um,
uh, omitted from communities like mine.
It's unfortunate that we have to have a conversation about,
um, the lack of city resources
that exist in our communities.
But I'm grateful for a business community who's willing
to step up and make sure that that support is provided.
Um, they're leading development along 71st Street, which is,
um, uh, our busiest business corridor,
but unfortunately has been suffering from, uh, a lack
of investment in our neighborhoods.
And it's, you know, members of our South Shore Chamber
of Commerce and again, community residents who are, uh,
headstrong in support
of bringing redevelopment to South Shore.
And, uh, so with that, I'd like to ask the committee
to support this, um, extension. Thank you.
Thank you, alderman. Thank you. Alderman Jansen,
is there a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman
and members of the Committee for the record.
My name is Mark Rosin,
assistant Commissioner in the Department
of Planning and Development.
SSA 42 is located in the South Shore community in the fifth,
seventh, and eighth Wards.
Alders, Yancy, Mitchell,
and Harris have expressed their support,
or no objection for this proposed term.
Extension of SSA 42 DPD is requesting a term extension
of 15 years for SSA number 42 with a levy rate cap of 2%.
The boundaries of SSA 42 would remain unchanged.
Two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted
to garner input inform,
and to inform SSA property owners
of the proposed term extension,
our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the South Shore Chamber
of Commerce, find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2025 is $906,822
to fund the scope of services.
That includes customer attraction, public way, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health and safety.
SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirements of the SSA State tax code
and DPD policies.
The SSA 42 commission is also recommending the South Shore
Chamber of Commerce as the SSA service provider for 2025.
This organization has successfully managed SSA number 42
since its inception in 2006.
Representatives from the sponsor organizations are here
today to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed term extension.
We ask for the committee's support in
approving this term extension.
Thank you. Assistant commissioner. Excuse me.
I'm in receipt of written comments, so we'll start
with LaShaun Brown.
Okay.
Good Morning Committee members.
My name is Tanya Tri
and I am the Executive Director
of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you all for hearing our, um, uh, case this morning
to extend the SSA 42 in the South Shore community.
Since I have been with the Chamber of Commerce,
we have been involved with the SSA
as alderman Yancy mentioned, we were the, uh,
originators along with, uh, the former alderman
to start the SSA.
And it has been a value
to the economic development in our community
to providing enhanced services in addition to those
that the city provides.
Um, one of our biggest events each year, highly anticipated
by the city of, uh, by the South Shore community,
is the SSA, uh, summer Festival.
Last year we had over 10,000 people
come into the South Shore community.
This year we scaled it back a little bit,
but we had close to 4,000 people.
Uh, customer attraction events like
that help the small businesses in the South Shore community.
We were able to provide Alfresco dining for three
of the businesses on the 71st Street District.
Their customers can now sit outside, spend more time
and buy more food as a result
of having these outdoor platforms.
Also, we were able
to include facade enhancement into our budget next year.
Um, as the alderman mentioned, we have a high vacancy rate
of commercial storefronts on our district.
With this facade enhancement program, we can help
to attract businesses into those vacant storefronts.
I am part of a coalition of about 27 other
business service organizations,
and we work to reduce vacancies along
our commercial corridors.
That group is facilitated by the Small Business
Advocacy Council, and we all feel
that programs like facade enhancement can support
property owners to attract businesses into those
vacant storefronts.
We were also successful in providing a cash match to one
of our business owners who was a recipient
of the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund that, uh,
helped him qualify for that program to
open a new business along our district.
Um, we do provide security, which many
of the business owners feel very safe to have
the security guards go into these businesses.
They get to know the business owners
and they provide a deterrent for crime or loitering
and things of that nature so
that the patrons feel comfortable coming
into those businesses.
And, um, in addition, I would just like to say
that this is one of the few resources
and incentives that the South Shore community has to attract
businesses into our district.
So I hope that you will favorably consider our application
to extend our SSA.
And thank you for your time this morning. Thank
You, Mr. Rece.
Next speaker is Michael Young Bay, be
Christian.
I have, I have a, I have a, I already have one
As, as all you alderman should know my
situation about my housing.
And the only reason I'm bringing that up is, um,
I was just in the hallway filling out the slips, you know,
'cause I got in here late.
So I'm, I appreciate you giving me the opportunity
to speak on the last one
because I haven't signed up on that one.
But, um, I heard you make a comment out there, David Moore,
you know, fire,
some people do it to get paid.
And that been floating around, you know, on us
that have been coming down here speaking.
My bank accounts don't reflect me getting paid from anybody.
I speak from the heart, you know, so
that's why I be saying, watch
what you say to certain people.
'cause my what's going on with us don't reflect that.
And I ain't getting no assistance or no help from nobody.
I'm speaking the truth on 79th Street,
whether a person like it
or not, like I'm gonna speak the truth on this item here.
And Yancy, well, what I appreciate that Yancy, I appreciate,
I believe what that woman say, know why I believe it.
And that's the first step.
Belief is what you think perhaps is the truth,
and perhaps it can be a lie,
but I see the fruition in that area.
You see, I I I, I see the development,
I see the people be able to sit down and things like that.
I see the change over the years, you know,
and in a short period of time as a, as of lately,
within the last 10 years.
You know what I'm saying? I see, I see the growth
and the development of that neighborhood, of that area.
You know, some people don't.
And in our group that come down speak, they,
they don't like y Yancey, you know what I'm saying?
Me Yancey ain't for, we ain't, we ain't talked in a while,
but I can't take, I can't deny him
of his rifle due or rightful credit.
And the lady that spoke, they telling the truth about that,
that area, you know what I'm saying?
So for the people, they should support this. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Young Bay.
Next speaker is Reverend Jevon Moore.
Excuse me.
Good morning, chairman. Morning to all
of the other City Council members and to all of those
that are in attendance today.
I am Jevon Moore, the proud pastor
of Brenmar Community Church.
And it is a church
that has been in the South Shore community
for over 109 years.
And With the church being in existence for that long,
um, our membership, um,
at one point in time has seen the community change just
as the church has changed, but also has seen that some
of them have been in that church for over 50 years
and have seen what South Shore looks like.
What 71st Street looked like, what 79th Street looked like,
um, 50, 60 years ago.
And there's a desire to have a resurgence of walkability,
a desire to have a resurgence of development,
and a desire to have a resurgence of community present,
um, in the South Shore area.
And the SSA 42 has been doing, um, making great strides
and being able to provide that, um,
particularly even from a security standpoint.
Um, as I look, most of my members live within,
or about 70% of the members of our church, uh,
live in a South Shore community.
And many of them actually walk
or take public transit to church.
So it is a community church and all of that is in mind.
And so when they walk and take public transit,
they are utilizing
and stopping at all of the stores, stopping at all
of the other businesses, um, within the area.
And to have that safety of, uh, security patrol, um,
is very vital for for many of them as they, as they see
what happens, um, um, on the streets.
Additionally, uh, the cleanup that takes place, uh,
along the commercial corridor, uh, helping to keep it clean.
I am a property owner. Um, my, my, my home
and building is, uh, on an area that gets trashed a lot.
And so I know what it takes to keep up
and keep your, the, the front of your business
and the front of your home clean.
Um, and particularly on a commercial area.
And so for the work that happens there, uh, it,
it is something that is appreciated, um,
by residents as well.
Uh, last thing I do want to add is just that, um,
there have been so many benefits and, uh, things
that have happened, um, as it relates to the beautification,
as it relates to not only security,
but just as an attraction
to bring long-term investment into the community.
Um, long are the days of, of wanting, um, just a store just
to come, but to have stores that will be there
and have be there for generations
and generations to come so that they can be passed on
to future generations.
And the last thing I'll say is that what, what benefits, um,
the South Shore community, what benefits 71st Street,
what benefits Stony Island
and 79th Street also benefits what happens on Jeffrey.
And although my church is only steps away from being inside
of the corridor, uh, we are greatly benefited
by the amazing work of the Chamber
and the amazing work of all
of the other community organizations that strive so hard
to build community. Thank you.
Thank you, Reverend Moore.
Next speaker is Leonard Moham.
Good morning again. Morning.
I'm here, uh, to support South Sho South Shore Chamber.
And I, uh, live in the community for over 30 years.
I have a real estate property for over 25 years.
I remember when we didn't have services like what's
being mentioned in this room.
And I can only tell you, I don't know What the problem is
with city Official City Services.
All I know is, is that this enhancement
that we've received in the last few years
has made it much more important now
that it stays in order to continue the development.
71st Street in particular, totally disadvantaged and,
and lack of, uh, investment that's changing.
Now, any interruption in the changes that are being made
that are so positive would be a big mistake.
So that's why I'm supporting the South Shore Chamber,
not only as a business owner,
but also a resident in the community.
And I thank Alderman for your support
and recommendation of them
to continue the good work
that they're doing. Thank you all.
Thank you, Mr. Mohamed.
Next speaker is Eva Koski.
Eva Koski, our next speaker,
Mr. George Blakemore.
I came from Texas in nine 19, uh, 70
at the end of the Great migration.
And that area was, was a beautiful area.
They had black banks there and all kind of black business.
That area have gone down, down, down.
And it's also going to even go down law with gentrification
of black people out of that area.
That same alman voted for sanctuary spending,
millions of billion dollars for illegal immigrants.
And with that Obama Library Center, it's going
gentrify the black, how many black
business are in that area?
And I remember when Leslie gave so many million dollars to
that grocery store right there, 71st
and Jeffrey, the games that people play.
You know why I have all that wisdom?
I'm not a pop-up activist.
I've been doing this for over 50 years, watching
how black people have been gentrified out
of the city of Chicago.
That same Altman voted for sanctuary given, uh, uh, of jobs
and, uh, money in housing
to illegal immigrants, black people.
You must be selfish. You must focus on your own self.
You need it. So, um, and, and,
and Leslie, uh, was a disaster.
And then here come y just one piece.
Leave, uh, outta your mouth, outta your body.
And then here come another piece of s So again,
I'm watching this, uh, uh, that was a beautiful street.
They had banks and everything.
How many black business have moved in?
When you come up with the Black Chamber of Commerce trying
to be so sophisticated
and articul place when you were just losing ground
and it's sinking sand, that area is going down,
down, down because of poor black leadership.
No black leadership, no black business are moving.
They got air there.
We have become a, a people of consumer. Mr.
Blakemore, please address the body, please.
I'm addressing you. And I can stand up and address you,
or I could be seated and address you.
Don't go there with me. But I've seen that area go down.
They had movies and everything over there.
Everything you could get right there in, in, in South Shore.
And it gone down, down, down.
You must look at government
and tell them, w we've been taxed enough.
We've been enslave in America enough, uh, with no pain.
So no addition or nothing should come to the back seat.
Nothing. And you, you got, you got scre and sand.
You do that job.
Thank you Mr. Blake. Mark You the hell you think.
I think I Our next speaker is,
Don't move all that.
Um, amend Curran, Amanda Curran.
God sent me quite later
for me's, a very
Spirited environment in here.
Good Morning everyone.
Uh, my name is Amina Kareem
and I am a, um, I, first of all, first
and foremost, I live in South Shore.
It's been a long time, many decades
also, community health partner.
And I'm also the chair for the SSA 42.
I started since 2010. I have a lot of implicit knowledge.
I am not going to go through every single element
because we have some fantastic people from the business
community that will talk about all the wonderful things, uh,
that SSA 42 and collaboration with the Chamber has done.
Another element that I don't, that I don't think
that we really underscore enough,
and there is a quality of life element to communities
according to the CDC, 80%
of our health comes from the zip codes in which we live.
So when there is limited resources,
there is structural racism
and inequities in our communities.
What it does is, has a downstream impact on
our quality of life.
So if you take South Shore
and you take Hyde Park, for the most part,
the same alderman there, there's a life,
uh, discrepancy, right?
There's a delta between those that live in South Shore,
which is only roughly a half a mile between South Shore
and, and Hyde Park.
The life expectancy is anywhere
between less than eight to 10 years.
We live seven minutes, eight to, let's say seven
to 10 minutes from the downtown area.
There is approximately, almost a 30 year difference
between South Shore and the West Loop.
And if you look at the dynamics, it includes,
but not limited to economic development
resources, great leadership,
and there's an opportunity to thrive.
We have, uh, not only have what TA had mentioned,
but I will say, and to that the Chamber of Commerce
and is a lot of collaborative spirit and efforts.
We have conducted economic tours to companies
that didn't even know anything about South Shore.
They just hear anything that's south is bad.
Anything that's west is awful.
But having the opportunity to
showcase South Shore in such a dynamic, compelling way
gives us an opportunity to set ourselves up to take it
to the next generation so that we can thrive so
that our parkways do have the safety that we can look up
and see that there are beautiful flowers lining the streets
like any other thriving community.
State Street right here where we are has an SSA
and the businesses actually reap the benefits from the
SSA and we should too.
And I'm saying this in not only as a community resident,
a community health partner, as a, a former, um,
business owner as well many years ago,
but most importantly as a commissioner as well,
I have seen the SSA grow from being insolvent
to now being an economic engine.
So I, I am encouraging you to please
that we are approved.
Thank you very much. Thank
You Ms. Kareem.
Our next speaker is Michelle Barksdale.
Good morning. Good morning. Morning.
Good morning. My name is Michelle Barksdale and, um,
Hold On. I'm gonna
actually pull out my phone.
I'm the owner of Fashion Mod.
It's a women's fashion boutique within the SSA 42.
Um, the beautification efforts like the pole planters
and holiday themed decor right outside my storefront,
I have transformed the area, have transformed the area,
making it more welcoming for our customers.
Also feel safer thanks
to the regular check-ins from the SSA 42 Security team
and the Litter Abatement team.
Keeping the pedestrian ways clean every morning,
which helps maintain a positive shopping experience,
experiences for my customers as a regular vendor.
At events like the South Shore Summer Festival
and the Connect South Shore Arts Festival,
I've seen firsthand how these events boost visibility
for my business and attract new customers to my storefront.
Um, the fall in love
with South Shore Marketing Outreach ensures my specials
and sales are visible to the community.
Helping drive additional foot traffic to my boutique
SSA 42 services are essential to the success of my business
and the vitality of our community.
I strongly urge you to support its re reconstitution,
allowing us to continue benefiting from
these critical resources.
Thank you all for this opportunity to appeal
to the constitution of SSA 42. Thank
You, Ms. Barksdale.
Next speaker is
Carmela Kmar.
Okay, thank you. Michael McDowell.
Edie Moore.
Good morning. Um, good morning. Good morning, Mr.
Chairman and, uh, members of the committee.
My name is Ed Moore and I'm a resident
and property owner and business owner in South Shore.
Um, I am also the former program manager for the SSA, um,
where I gained firsthand experience with the positive impact
that this program has on our commercial corridors.
Um, during my time as a program manager, one
of the most significant improvements that I saw was
for the safety in our district.
Um, the added security patrols made a noticeable difference
in creating a safer environment
for both businesses and the residents.
Um, the security presence, along with other initiatives,
like coordinated responses to issues, has helped
reassure those who live and work and shop in the area.
Um, I've recently decided to open my new business,
a cannabis business, um, a legal licensed cannabis business,
um, right here on the SSA 42 district.
Um, as someone who is operating a highly regulated business,
safety is a top priority for me and for my customers.
And I'm gonna go off script for a moment here
and say that, um, the property that I am located in
was vacant for 20 years.
And I believe that the security,
the added security was helpful into making sure that
that business stayed or that that building, um, stayed safe.
Um, as a property owner, I understand the safety,
uh, of attracting businesses and retaining tenants.
And so when people feel safe, they are more likely
to invest in the area, whether they're open opening a
business like I am, or renting or shopping.
And as a homeowner, um, in South Shore, I know that safety
and security of our neighborhood are key
to the future growth and development.
Um, I live in an area that is between a school
and 71st Street, so there is a lot
of traffic back and forth.
Um, there's a lot of, um, trash, there's a lot of, um,
undesirable behavior sometimes,
and I feel a lot more secure
because I know that the SSA security patrols are, are close
by, right there on 71st Street.
So in conclusion, I strongly app approve, uh, urge you
to, I strongly approve.
I strongly urge you to approve the reconstitution
of the SSA 42 so that we can continue the benefit, um,
of these vital safety services.
Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Moore.
Our next speaker is Regina Salim.
Julia Perkins.
Still morning, still morning
All the men and the Chicago
residents that are in attendance.
My name is Julia Perkins.
Um, I'm a 30 year South shore resident.
I've owned my home for there for 30 years.
I also own property and I'm a business owner
and in addition, and part of the SSA commissioner
for about four years now.
I think that Alderman Yancy and Tanya Trice
and, um, my friend Amina Kareem
and Ededie have all summed it up that South Shore is an area
that is really evolving.
The SSA South Shore doesn't have a lot of resources, right?
In some ways it's under underserved, under invested.
And so SSA 42 has always been very mindful,
strategic, and prudent in how it applies the resources.
In terms of the litter abatement,
I think there was something like four 46,000, 4,600 pounds
of litter that had been removed from the community along
with the security patrols, along with the beautification.
We are not, I think
that the SSA has always been very mindful of
how it applies its money in order to uplift the,
the 71st Street corridor
and other corridors within the SSA 42 as a homeowner.
Yes, there have been ebbs and flows in South Shore.
Everyone knows it, and I believe
that we are on an upswing in part, I think due
to al thematic leadership like Alderman Yancy,
we have the Chamber of Commerce, who's also an SSA
42 service provider who is doing tremendous work in terms
of uplifting the businesses
and the assets that South Shore has as a homeowner.
Yeah, we're making inroads. We'll continue to rake loans.
And Mr. Blake, what you said,
who is investing in South Shore?
I just opened a business there a year and a half ago.
I, I invested my equity and, and capital.
So, but I'm just saying
that people are investing people within the community
who live there are making an investment
to uplift their area.
And so with that said, I hope that the council will really
consider and approve the reconstitution of SSA 42.
Thank you Ms. Perkins.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing desires an
opportunity to express their views for
or against the special services, authorize the levies
of service tax at an annual rate the 2%,
and authorize the extension of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the services tax for the provision
for the special services in the area for a period through
and including tax year 2038.
They'll have the opportunity to address the committee
and will wait to be called upon to speak.
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the public
hearing on the special services.
Special services authorize the levy
of service tax at an annual rate of 2%
and the authorization of the extension
of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the services tax for the provision
of special services in the area per period through
and including tax year 2038.
Let the record reflect the public hearing on this matter was
con concluded at 12:01 PM on October 10th, 2024.
That concludes this public hearing.
Here's next. Here's next.
This is the downtown one.
How do you know? How do you know that, that they go,
Brendan, you got North Michigan.
Is that yours? North Michigan. 76. Yeah.
5 27.
Our next order of business is hearing on SSA number 76
dash 2024.
We'll now have a roll call to establish quorum. Mr.
Valez, please call the roll
Vie present.
Mostly present.
RA Hall Mitchell
Chico Lee Present.
Gutierrez Lopez.
Tabba Cruz
Cardona Wepec
mi Present
Napolitano Riley
Nanos. Present,
Man. Haworth.
Cheers. Gutierrez? Yes. Thank you. Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum, Alder Alder,
alderman Woman, Cruz Alderman Hall,
alderman Politan, and Alderman.
Tabba and MITs have requested
to participate Today's meeting remotely on the Rule
fi Rule 59.
Can I get a motion to allow them to participate remotely?
Vice chair moey motions to allow Alderman
Alderman Hall Napolitano, alderman Cruz mitts
and Tamaras to participate remotely.
All those in favor say aye. And a opposed say, nay opinion.
The chair. The aye. Have it The aldermans are permitted
to participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
This meeting will come to order. Let the record reflect.
This is a public hearing that is being held pursuant
to the requirements of Section 27 dash 35 of the state
of Illinois Special service aerial tax.
Tax Law. As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in Chicago Tribune,
a newspaper general Circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people
and according to the schedule required by applicable law,
let the reporter mark the notice as committee's Exhibit one
for identification.
This is a hearing to consider the establishment
of special service area number 76 dash 2024, referred
to hereafter as the area
and the authorization of the levy of a special service
of a special annual services tax for the provision
of certain special services.
The approximate street location
and proposed area would consist of both sides
of Michigan Avenue between Oak Street
and South to the Chicago River.
The purpose of establishing the area would be
to provide special services within the area.
The proposed special services to be
provided with an area include
but not limited to, customer traction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health
and safety programs,
and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development, which will be hereafter referred
to collectively as special services.
The special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some are all the proceeds
that proposed service tax are anticipated to be used
by entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entity shall be a service provider pursuant
to a services contract, each
as defined in the special service area tax law.
Special services would be in addition to services
provided to and by the city of Chicago.
Generally, the services tax under consideration would not
exceed the annual sum of 0.05%
of the equalized assessed value of the property,
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax will be authorized
to commence in tax year 2024
and to be levied annually until the until
and including tax year 2025.
The services tax will be in addition to all other services,
other taxes provided by law
and will be levied pursuant to the provisions
of the property tax code 35
ILCs 200 slash one dash one as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
establishment of special service area number 76 dash 2024,
please submit those comments to the Sergeant at arms
so those comments can be made part of the public record.
Is there a statement from the alderman in the area?
Thank you Chairman. And I know, uh,
alderman Hopkins can't be here today.
Uh, but both of us have, uh, reviewed the proposal
and had subsequent discussions with the SSA
and, uh, support the, the application.
Um, I think as we've heard from ssas around the city, um,
all commercial areas, uh, are still working
to recover from, uh, the pandemic.
And, uh, while the city is starting to turn the corner, um,
Michigan Avenue is no different than, um, many
of the commercial quarters throughout Chicago.
Um, and they have taken this extra step to, uh,
add security, cleanliness, um, customer attraction,
business, uh, improvement and economic development.
I think that's kind of a common theme here.
Um, but, um, what's great is
that there is a significant buy-in among the
tax pins on this, uh, proposed, um, SSA boundary.
And I am confident that these funds will be spent, um,
wisely to, uh,
move the needle in the right direction
in this commercial quarter.
So therefore, I'd ask my colleagues
to give a consideration when it's up for a vote.
Thank you, chairman.
Thank you, alderman. Is there a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman
and members of the Committee for the record.
My name is Mark Roan,
assistant Commissioner in the Department
of Planning and Development.
SSA number 76 dash 2024 is located in the near north
community in the second and 42nd wards.
Alderman Hopkins and Riley have expressed their support
for the proposed SSA,
which will replace the former SSA number 76
that will expire at the end of 2024.
DPD is requesting a term of two years
for SSA number 76 dash 2024 with a levy rate cap
of 0.05%.
The boundaries of SSA 76
dash 2024 extend along North Michigan Avenue from the
Chicago River north to Oak Street.
Two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted to garner input
and informed SSA property owners.
Our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the Magnificent Mile Association,
and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2025 is
$1,059,119
to fund a scope of services
that includes customer attraction, public way, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health
and safety SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirement of the state SSA tax code
and DPD policies.
The SSA advisory committee is also recommending
that the Magnificent Mile Association
as the service provider for 2025.
This organization has successfully managed SSA 76 since its
inception in 2022,
and has administered other City
of Chicago contracts since 2020.
It's also important to note
that the Magnificent Mile Association intends to apply
for a business improvement district
or BID in the upcoming year.
This new program was just enabled by the state of Illinois
after a three year process.
Bid districts are similar to ssas
and are found in 45 other states
and in cities around the world.
Bids can offer greater flexibility for assessment
of diverse properties, such as along the magnificent mile.
This proposed two year SSA would allow for continued funding
of supportive services while a bid
district is being pursued.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed establishment
of this SSA.
We ask for the committee's support in
approving this term extension. Thank you.
Thank you, deputy Commissioner.
I have some written comments
and folks that have signed up to provide public comment.
Our first speaker, Lee
Goup for Gallup.
Thank you Commissioner, members of the committee.
Uh, my name is Lee Goup.
I am a managing principal of Goop
and Company, a real estate, uh, business
that's been located on the avenue since 1970.
Our company's been involved with many,
many properties on the avenue from nine 19 North Michigan
Avenue on the north to the Tribune Tower on the south.
Currently, I'm here representing three properties,
6 25 North Michigan Avenue, 4 44 North Michigan Avenue,
and the retail shops at the Tribune Tower.
Uh, as we all know, as Alderman Riley said earlier,
we've had a a a hard time since the pandemic, um, retail,
specifically the engine of, of Michigan Avenue and,
and the engine, one of the financial economic engines
of the city of Chicago took a a huge hit.
Um, this SSA, uh, adds the security, the beautification,
the popup stores, just the, the feeling
that the avenue can be the, the great avenue that once was.
You know, there's nowhere else in the world that exists,
that has the infrastructure of both of all retail, hotel,
office and residential in one, in one beautiful setting.
And the retail tenants over the last few years
during the pandemic and during the retail crime on,
on the avenue, just basically were,
were fed up and didn't want to stay here.
A lot of 'em left. Uh, thank, thankfully the last couple
of years, and actually in the last six months,
we've seen a huge amount of activity, an uptick in retail.
Um, I think a lot of that has to do
with the renewed security
and safety factor that, that both the retailers,
the tourists, the, the pedestrians, the tenants,
they all feel, and I am here
to support the renewal of this SSA. Thank you very
Much. Thank you, Mr. Gallup.
Next speaker is John G***o.
John, okay. Uh, Mr. George Blakemore.
Thank you. You
read the See you.
So these black ghettos
and the SSA now you're going up to, uh, uptown.
Now you're going to Brandon Riley in Hopkins, ward
Uhhuh on Michigan Avenue.
It is changing. They do have a lot
of abandoned buildings.
The water tower, Uhhuh, the, uh, see,
you think that you just going to abuse
the little poor black people in the ghetto.
A God watches all and sees all, I couldn't believe it.
Go to Michigan Avenue, you see empty buildings, a lot
of empty buildings.
So, uh, what goes around comes around to you,
sir Uhhuh.
And, and it's not through coming around.
What's ever good for,
for one area should be good for another.
Okay? These little ghetto people now
or whatever that you're trying to displace
and bring another, uh, uh, in.
Now they're, they're not only creating crime in the ghetto,
but they're going to the magnificent.
Now, where the fat racks are, you know,
a rat is a rat is a little mice and a fat rack.
So you going to feel the pain
and the suffering that other people have felt uhhuh or,
or go to that water tower, go downtown
to see these empty buildings.
So what goes around comes around you digging a ditch
for me to fall in it.
You might fall in it too.
You might fall and you have fail in one
of these birds just to blakemore.
Try to be intelligent
and articulate, uh, making these birds noun.
Anyway, I, I smile when I see the empty buildings,
the abandoned building when I hear,
find their own hbar crying right there at Hubbard.
And, and, and stay so long
as the crime in the ghetto is okay,
but you didn't know it's going from downtown.
I mean, in the ghetto, it's going uptown.
So we all in this together.
Can we all get along? Can we all get along?
So I smile when I see all those empty buildings
on the magnificent smile, and then go the ghetto.
See you digging a ditch for me. You might fall in it again.
You see you.
So that's why it's very, very important
for a person like Mr.
Blakemore to come down here. I see your empty building.
I see the wall tower going down.
I okay now,
and I'm gonna sign for the other to all of y'all. Uh,
Thank you Mr. Blakemore.
Our next speaker is Jennifer Hesser
Kill.
Our next speaker is Jennifer Hesser.
Good afternoon. My name is Jennifer Hesser.
I'm the assistant general manager with 360 Chicago.
We're the, excuse me, we're the ownership entity
that owns the 94th, the 95th,
and the 96th floor of 8 75 North Michigan Avenue.
We are owned by a French company and we own
and operate observation decks
around the world internationally.
I'm also a commissioner for SSA 76, as well as a resident
of the nearby community.
I live in Streeterville.
Um, today I wanna speak primarily as an ownership entity
and as a commissioner in support of the SSA being renewed.
I wanna speak on two parts, one being security.
The SSA has funded over the, since the time
of its inception, over 12,000 patrol hours.
That's in addition to the hours
that are supplemented by the city.
I think it is important for us to recognize
and important for us to, to tell as part
of our narrative through this process.
It's not about the crime that is happening
and that occurs naturally on the avenue.
It's about the crime that doesn't occur on the avenue.
And right now that's important
because it's those hours that supplement the safety
and protection of that area for business owners
and for residents alike.
Within that, within that stage on the avenue as well.
The, the public way finding
and the enhancements that we've made to public way,
things like the spectrum by Marri, that was in front
of 8 75 North Michigan, um, this summer
and the spring, important for guests
and tourists of the avenue alike
and residents to see the beautification along the avenue
and to be able to interact
with one another along the avenue.
That helps the narrative. It helps the city of Chicago.
It helps us ensure that tourists
and tourist dollars are coming to the city
and coming to the avenue.
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you, Ms. Hesser. Our final speaker is, strike that.
Yeah, our final speaker is badly, I'm sorry, Bradley Wick.
Good afternoon, counsel. Good
Afternoon. My
name is Bradley Borowick
and I'm the Senior Vice President
and I have the proud honor
of overseeing the Wrigley Building downtown Chicago.
I fully extend my support of the SSA 76, not only
as the SSA chairperson,
but primarily as a stakeholder on the
gateway to Michigan Avenue.
Through the SSA, we've been able to change the barrage
of negative media narratives through the SSA platform
by addressing safety.
First, with a dedicated ombudsman to connect with all
of our city, county, state police,
and the hiring of a security service firm,
providing additional security services totaling 24,000 hours
through the years of 2023
and 2024, to provide police detailed descriptions
of activities as well
as providing valuable community support.
Next, we dove into Michigan Avenue's activations,
allowing residents, tourists,
and daily commuters with a new sense
of community providing safe, vibrant spaces to enjoy.
We are dedicated to the sustainability
and development of our beloved Michigan Avenue fostering
activity on our plazas over the summer
with large scale interactive musical instruments
that generated over 1 million interactions,
and certainly not to be overshadowed by our tulip sculptures
that generated amazing press
and goodwill by the SSA initiatives, all in the effort
to bolster the image of Michigan Avenue
and empower all 77 neighborhoods.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing desires an
opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed establishment,
special service area number 76 dash 2024.
Please communicate with Sergeant Onar
so you have the opportunity to make
those comments or objections.
Is there any other member of the public taxpayer interested
person who wishes to make a statement
with respect to this matter,
Crime on the north side?
And just please identify yourself for the record.
Thank you
For the record. My name
once again is Michael Young Bay.
Um, that's true what Mr. Blakemore said.
So if y'all lack businesses, empty buildings,
what you need the tax money for, what you need
that big budget for over a million dollars for what?
You ain't got nothing there really going on.
So that's why the attraction of the people
and the tourists, et cetera, are not there
because there's really nothing there, you know,
and yeah, you see a change in the flip, you know,
in the eighties we seen our people on the streets selling
drugs, et cetera, or things like that, but,
and it wasn't down there, but now it is.
And also you see the other flip side of
that with the migrants.
They selling candy more,
more than anybody down in these areas.
You know, some people say fentanyl candy,
so you can consider it drug selling.
Y'all don't need that.
People don't need to be tax for nothing
and ain't giving nothing.
A lot of you communities,
y'all ain't putting nothing out in y'all communities,
these businesses asking for this money.
Even with thing with David Moore,
he mentioned them business and things like that.
And they ain't done nothing for the community.
Them restaurants ain't even feed
the homeless in they community.
That's on them streets.
So these people looking for all this money
and a lot of 'em already got a lot of money.
Go into your own pockets, stop burdening the public,
stop putting the burden on the citizens.
Thank you.
Any other public comments? Ladies
and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing on the
proposed establishment of special service area number 76
dash 2024,
and the authorization of the levy of services tax
for the provision of the special services.
Let the record reflect the public hearing on this matter was
concluded at 12:22 PM 2024.
That concludes this public hearing.
My might get done by time for ethics.
I'm trying. Good to see
You. Two more,
two more.
Our next order of business is hearing on SSA number 81.
We'll now have a roll call to establish a quorum. Mr.
Valez, please call the roll
S present, mostly present.
Lata Hall Mitchell.
Mitchell. Mitchell Present,
Chico Present, Lee Present.
Gutierrez Lopez Tabba
Cruz Cardona
pec mi Present
Napolitano Present,
Riley Haworth.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum, Alderwoman Cruz
Ez and, and mi
and Alderman Hall Napolitano have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely under Rule 59.
May I get a motion to con to allow them
to participate remotely?
Alderwoman Gutierrez motions to allow Alderman Hall
Napolitano and Alderwoman Cruz
EZ admits to participate remotely.
All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any up opposed, say nay.
In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
The Alder persons are permitted
to participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
The meeting will come to order. Let the record reflect.
This is a public hearing that has be held pursuant
to requirements of Section 27 dash 35 of the state
of Illinois Special Service area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of general circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people
and according to the schedule required by applicable law,
let the let the reporter mark the notice
as committee's Exhibit one for identification.
This is a hearing to consider the establishment
of special service area number 81, referred to hereafter
as the area and the authorization of the levy
of a special cert, special annual services tax
for the provision of certain special services.
The approximate street location
of the proposed area would consist
of a territory along 83rd Street
between Lafayette Avenue on the East
and Vincents Avenue on the west, the west side
of Lafayette Avenue, between 83rd Street on the north
and 89th place on the south
and east side of the railroad right away
between 89th place on the South
and Vincent Avenue on the north.
The purpose of establishing this area will be provi
to provide special services within the area.
The proposed special services to be
provided within the area include,
but not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health
and safety programs,
and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development, which will be hereafter refer
to collectively as special services.
Special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some are all the proceeds
of the proposed services tax are anticipated to be used
by an entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entity shall be a service provider pursuant
to services contract each
as defined in the special service aerial tax law.
Special services would in would in addition would be in
addition to services provided to
and by the city of Chicago,
the services tax under consideration will not exceed the
annual sum of 2% of the equalized assessed value
for the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be authorized
to commence any tax year 2024
and to be levied annually until and including tax year 2033.
The services tax will be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law, it'll be levied pursuant to the provisions
of property tax code 35 ILCs 200 slash one dash one
as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
establishment of special service area in 81,
please submit those comments to the Sergeant at arms
so the comments can be made.
Part of the record, is there a
statement from the alderman in the
area? Vice Chair Moseley.
Thank you Mr. Chair. And good afternoon.
My fellow committee members.
I'm asking for your, your support
to establish special service area at number 81.
Uh, this area between 83rd
and 89th Lafayette to the railroad line.
Sometimes Vincent's or Holland is truly writing a new story.
Just in the last year
and a half, so many businesses have filled vacancies.
We now have five below Goblin Bat Caribbean Jerk Palace.
Starbucks is currently renovating Footlocker,
expanded and remodeled.
Biolife Kae Buddy Bear Wash Kae, UPS store.
Kae Raising Cane's is coming in 2025
and the Urban League is taking over the Walmart Academy,
Walmart incites, uh, so much.
It was actually just before I took office
that we got the news of its Sur Sudden Closure.
And it's so interesting that once before this idea was
before, uh, city Hall and Walmart came
and said that we will take care of these issues
and those issues that they were supposed to take care of.
They listed them as reasons as to why they were leaving.
And so now the community, both business
and residents have stepped up to this charge.
This is a unique situation where residents are included
in a SSA.
They are part of the northwest corner from 83rd
to 84 from Wentworth to Lafayette.
But what was most inspiring during this process is
that residents took on this task of being ambassadors.
They went door to door to their neighbors to talk
to them about why this is needed, one
for their own purposes.
Majority of the residents live right off of, well, all
of the residents really live off of 83rd Street,
heavily trafficked.
And then also Lafayette.
You are coming off of the Dan Ryan Expressway.
They think that it's unfair that they have
to clearing up the litter that's on the parkways from other
people coming through.
They think it's unfair or, or actually a pilot program.
Uh, we may be able to plow the sidewalks here
because they are asking
and looking out for their residents who are seniors
who are elderly, that cannot go outside
and shovel their own sidewalks.
This SSA gives them that opportunity.
But also throughout the years,
multiple businesses have tried to step up alone, I think
of Lowe's who goes out every day and cleans their lot.
But by 12 noon it will be right back
because litter has blown other from other places.
Home Depot that does the same thing nightly,
but I think the most egregious has to be 87th Street,
entering and exiting the expressway.
I can tell you that since I come into office,
we launched a pilot program working with both the city
of Chicago to clean the street side
and also the state of Illinois to clean the ramps
and the expressway mediums.
Two days later, it is right back, like we were never there.
It is going to take consistent service that goes above
and beyond what is offered from the city,
what is offered from the state
to meet the expectations of residents.
We have also seen, uh, a flood of new arrivals in this area.
And businesses have had to increase their expenses
to try to manage.
But again, they only manage within their own properties
whether you are talking.
And when you turn to the issues of crime, if someone
commits a crime, if they go across the street,
that same security company cannot further pursue them.
This is one of the reasons why Marshals left the area.
And so this SSA, uh, has been a long time in the making,
and it is finally giving the solutions
that folks are asking for.
It is convenient, a table so that we can have
a steering committee to decide what happens
with the vacant Walmart, what happens to the movie theater
that is vacant as well.
And so I ask for your favorable consideration
to provide this support to our community.
And I'd like to note that even with the residential parcels,
90%, 90%
of this value is coming from the commercial residents
or commercial owners, not the residents.
And again, I ask for your favorable considerations.
Thank you, alderman. Is
There a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, members
of the committee for the record.
My name is Mark Rosin,
assistant Commissioner in the
Department of Planning and Development.
SSA number 81 is located in the West Chatham community in
the 60, I'm sorry, in the sixth
and 21st wards, alderman Hall
and Mosley have expressed their support for this.
Proposed. S-S-A-D-P-D is requesting an establishment term
of 10 years for SSA number 81 with a levy rate cap of 2%.
The boundaries of the SSA extend approximately along the
west side of the Dan Ryan Expressway.
West is Stewart between 83rd and 90th.
Place two community meetings
and a mailing of to all pins were conducted to garner input.
And in to inform SSA property owners,
our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the Greater Auburn
and Gresham Development Corporation,
and find them acceptable to proposed budget
for 2025 is 1 million 113 600 hundred dollars
to fund the scope of services
that include customer traction, public way, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health
and safety, SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirement of the state SSA tax code
and DPD policies.
The SSA 81 Advisory Committee is also recommending
that Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
as the SSA service provider for 2025.
This organization has managed SSA number 32 for 18 years
SSA 69 since 2015,
and they administer several other City of Chicago contracts.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed establishment
of SSA number 81.
We asked for the committee's support in approving this
proposed SSA. Thank you.
Thank You Assistant commissioner.
Ladies, ladies and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing
desires an opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed establishment,
the special service area, number 81.
Please communicate with the sergeant in arms.
So you may have an opportunity
to make those comments or objections.
Our first public speaker will be Francie Griffin.
Okay. Yeah. Uh, what's your name? Gerald.
Gerald. Gerald.
Gerald. Just Say it into the microphone when you said
Gerald Griffin.
Yeah. Thank you. Um,
I prepared some notes to talk about, uh, our support
of the SSA.
Uh, I'm gonna read it, but, uh,
before I start, I want to, uh,
just kinda give a quick background.
So, um, Gerald Griffin,
grew up here in Chicago High school.
Went to school here in Chicago.
Uh, went to the School Garden Institute
of Chicago and graduated there.
So I've been in Chicago my whole life, grew up,
grew up on the northwest side of Chicago.
So I'm very familiar with, um, black neighborhoods
that have been, uh, largely disinvested.
And, um, me
and my wife, um, who, uh, married 18 years ago.
Our anniversary is, uh, a couple days ago.
So congratulations.
We opened our business in Chatham, uh,
46,000 square foot, uh, warehouse
and turned it into a interior design showroom
and did this right at the beginning, uh, 2019.
So right before covid. And, um,
we can address the divestment in,
in our communities in a couple ways.
We could, you know, complain about it.
We could fight to try to get resources,
or we can invest in ourselves
and do something about ourselves.
And what the SSA does for us and businesses
and community is to say we are going
to invest in our own community.
We're going to create, um, our own, um,
avenue of addressing some of these inequities.
I'm trying to pull up this, uh, real quick, the notes.
One minute. Okay.
Lost my notes, but I'm gonna just talk off the cuff. Yeah.
Um, in our business is located right at 83rd
in Princeton, right next to the Bank of America
and Sion High School and a park.
And, um, we, this, you know, it's a beautiful space.
We keep it clean. There's a space where a lot of people come
and have their events and parties.
So every morning you come back out
and there's trash and everything there.
So we go out, we clean it, we come back, there's trash.
Um, the SSA will help in
our business, but it also helps in the neighborhood.
It helps beautify the neighborhood.
It helps with security in the neighborhoods.
I think it's a great, um, I think it's a great idea.
It is very much needed. Um, our location, um,
was part of, um, open House Chicago,
which brought other communities into our community,
and we're gonna be part
of Open House Chicago again this year.
And, um, just like those other communities that are vibrant,
our community needs to be vibrant
and show that, um, you know, we are, we're
a fundamental part of the overall community
and that we have, you know, much to offer. Thank you. Thank
You, Mr. Griffin.
Our next speaker is Johnny Wilbon.
Next, next speaker is Eke Vora.
Eke Vora. Next speaker.
Timothy Rand. Timothy Rand.
Next speaker. Tiffany Smith. Tiffany Smith.
Next speaker, Jerry McGee.
Good morning. I came here, up here earlier.
You could you, um, state your
Name? My name is Jerry McGee.
Thank
You.
I came earlier and spoke on a matter
that didn't actually concern me, so I apologize for that.
All good. This is, um, this one does concern me, however,
and, um, I can say that I have seen, um, the improvements
that you mentioned in the area.
However they made those impression,
those improvements without increasing our taxes.
You know, I live right off 83rd and they, Dan Ryan.
And true, it's true about the garbage.
And, um, the area go down. I've been there 21 years.
I've seen it go down way down.
As a matter of fact, you know, when I got there,
it was mostly older people who, you know,
I think they actually came next door
and baked me a cake when I moved in.
They was, they was sociable like that. It's changed.
It's not like that anymore.
But to get back on what I'm talking about,
this, like you said, is a different situation
because our pin numbers are included on this SA 81.
And I disagree with that. The people I talk to,
and I don't know everybody in the neighborhood,
but the ones I do know, none of them agree
to have their property taxes doubled,
or some, in some cases tripled.
You know, just to do with the things
that you're already doing anyway.
So if you've made all those improvements
and made all those upgrades without increasing our property
taxes, you should be able to continue to do that.
We shouldn't have to pay. We work. We working people.
We're not rich. You know, you got to,
maybe the businesses don't matter, but we do.
We do. We work hard for these properties.
So just keep that in mind when you make
your decisions. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. McGee.
Next speaker is Darcy, Rochelle Carter.
Hi, my name is Darcy Rochelle Carter.
And I too misspoke Earlier.
Um, the notification that I was mail
that we were mailed said that the hearing started at 10 50.
I was here, things were already proceeding.
And I, it took me a while to understand that I was not
in the proper context, but now that I am,
even though the other SSA I'm, I'm in
that neighborhood also, but this one in particular.
So, um, I don't think it's fair to raise resident and,
and in this SSA residential pens are involved.
And everything that I said about my family,
probably gonna have to leave the neighborhood if this
happens because, uh, money is so tight.
My mom, she's 85, she is on a fixed income.
Um, she doesn't have like, pension, retirement, like,
I mean, it's just a social security
check, and it's very small.
Um, and I'm not, I'm not certain
that we really know the real reason why Walmart, uh, left.
I, I, I have other, um, ideas on that.
And as far as Lowe's
and cleaning up, there is so much trash in that parking lot.
From there up into past the, the now abandoned, um,
theater that has, has closed going to Home Depot
trash just all over the place.
Lowe's only cleans up the trash twice a year. They contract.
I can see 'em from my back door.
They, they have a contract with some people
that come and they clean up.
They do it twice a year. And that's it.
Um, I would like to reiterate what I said
before, uh, the financial problems
that are going on in this city, uh,
it really all comes down to the police budget.
It comes down to the police budget.
It comes down to all the little hitting line items
that are in other departments that aren't
what the public number, what the police budget is.
And, um, I just think that, and,
and, and I'm, I'm pro-business.
I'm pro-business. I'm pro-development.
I have lived in this city.
I I was born here, raised here in that neighborhood
for just about every day of my 56 years.
And there needs to be development.
I have seen, I remember as a child being with my mom
and going to shop in places from 79th
and Halstead over to Cottage Grove,
Stony Isle, down in Roseland.
I mean, vibrant, vibrant commercial
corridors in the black community.
All that change, decades of disinvestment.
Y'all want the money. It's in the police budget.
And I'll just like to say it's easy
to dismiss someone on their delivery and their appearance,
but I like to say and put on record
that this man right here,
Mr. George Black Blake Blake Moore, is a shaman
and a prophet of this city.
He's a shaman and a prophet. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you Ms. Carter, for your comments.
Our next, uh, speaker is Bonita, Kathy.
Good morning. Members, members
of the Chicago City Council.
I'm Bonita Kathy from Perspectives Charter School,
located in the heart
of the proposed special service area number 81.
I'm here to voice our strong support for this initiative.
The proposed SSA for the 87th Street Mall area
will bring critical resources to our community,
including debris removal, coordinated security, landscaping,
and overall beautification.
These improvements will directly benefit our students
staffs and families.
A cleaner and safer neighborhood means a better learning
environment for our students.
They'll be able to focus on their education without worrying
about safely walking to and from school.
An improve, an improved working environment will
benefit our teachers and staff helping us to attract
and retain top educators.
Parents will feel more comfortable engaging with the schools
and participating in community events
while prospectives charter schools is tax exempt.
The value of this SSA
to our educational mission is immeasurable.
It's aligned perfectly with our goals
and preparation for students for college
and community leadership, which is long-term
benefits for our community.
We urge you to approve the special service area. Number 81.
This investment in our neighborhood's infrastructure
and safety is an investment in the future of our students
and our entire community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you, Ms. Kathy. Our next speaker is Carlos Nelson.
Good afternoon. Uh, I am Carlos Nelson, CEO
of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development, uh, corporation.
The proposed service provider for SSA, number 81, uh,
G-A-G-D-C for short.
And we have been, uh, service providers for SSA since 2004.
And I must say that this is one of the most unique
and complex, uh, uh, ssas
or situations that we've ever faced in our community.
When you think about seven
or eight contiguous malls that, as Alderman
or Councilman Mosley mentioned, have their own focus of,
of on their own residents, um, I'm sorry,
of their own, um, clients.
This is an issue not only of, uh, quality of life, quality
of life of the residents
and the community of the students from Perspectives Charter
School, of those of us that, uh, continue
to visit the mall area at 87th, uh, and, um, the Dan Ryan.
But this is an all, this is also an issue of leakage.
As we've watched Evergreen Park
and Oaklawn grow, uh, substantially over the years.
In, in addition to that,
residents right there in, in, in West Chatham
or the, the surrounding areas, uh, are sometimes fearful
to go to, uh, the malls, uh, the jewel, the, the Lowe's,
the former Walmart, uh, the Marshalls.
And so this is a strategy that we're looking to deploy
to bring power to not only the residents in the community.
And as, uh, the councilman mentioned, 90%
of the equalized assessed value
is on the burden on the backs of the, uh,
commercial district.
This is a way to give a voice, uh,
to the residents in the community.
And though, uh,
our G-A-G-D-C office is only eight blocks away,
our focus really is to
cite an office right there in the epicenter
of the 87th Street Corridor so
that the debris removal team is real time.
The safety and security team is, uh, is tying in the,
not only the seven or eight, uh, private security firms,
but also the six Police District.
There's a command center right there at 87.
The issues have continued to grow and grow.
It's become more pervasive, uh, in the area.
And with the, the growing number of day laborers, um,
that are in and around the, the parking area of,
of Home Depot and, and Starbucks.
It's real, it's, it's really become a fearful, uh, issue
for many of us that, uh, traverse this area.
And so we're hoping
and expecting that SSA number 81 is a unique
and a creative way or strategy to address these issues.
Thank you for your time and, um, seeking your support.
Thank you, Mr. Nelson. Our next speaker is Kenny Doss.
How you doing? My name is Kenny Doss.
Um, I work for G-A-G-D-C,
greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation.
So I had the opportunity
to be very hands-on with this process.
Um, with it being my first at trying to, uh, accommodate,
uh, SSA and I had the opportunity to not only go
to business owners
and, um, have a conversation with them about the perks and,
and the benefits that they would have,
but also go door to door
and talk to, uh, community residents.
And I actually had the opportunity to, to come inside some
of the, their hou homes
and get a full understanding of what the community used
to be and where we could get it back to.
And, um, you know, we're just looking around the room
and hearing everyone, um, opinion about what's going on.
Sometimes I feel like we fear what we don't know,
and I could honestly say, uh,
me being the youngest one in a room,
I feel like it's my duty to, to go above
and beyond to make sure that the generation behind me
has a safe environment to go shop, uh, to make sure
that those, uh, future students from perspective,
that'll be the, the future leaders
of our community have someone to look up to have a,
a, a safe place to go.
And when we hear about what 87th Street used to be
and how beautiful it used to be, that's not my reality.
So I I I, I believe that it's my duty
to do whatever I can do to make sure
that we get back on that page. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Doss.
I think Alderman Mosey would, would say
that he's the youngest guy here,
but, um, uh, uh,
next speaker is Mr. George Blakemore.
Lady got trying to blow some air somewhere on me saying
that I'm so much and so much I am,
and so much I, I I'm not, uh, that area.
You, you was talking about Lowe's and Home Depot
and that movie house
and how that area is being deteriorating, the business.
Did you know, I'm always comparing, uh, uh, uh,
uh, black people with, with other racist people.
And maybe that's, that, that that's not good
because, uh, my people been enslaved in America.
So they, a lot of 'em still have that baggage of,
of slavery, uh, right up here.
So, uh, in a Hispanic neighborhood,
they don't have all these other big box business.
They advocate for their own small business.
And you talking about Low
and Home Depot, well, where are the black owned business?
God bless the child that got his own.
Now, I used didn't like my mother always telling me,
Nathan is smarter than you.
You, you know, you can look.
And I said, why would she say, uh,
Nathan is smarter than me?
Because perhaps he, he was, and,
and she didn't like that she,
Nathan wasn't her son, I was her son.
But she's comparing me with somebody else.
She's saying, I'm somebody
and you gonna have to be somebody.
These Hispanic area, they don't have all these big box.
They have small and they don't advocate for Starbucks
to come into pil.
And they area, it's something wrong with the black man.
His mind set, uh, uh, uh, my mother have nerve.
Nathan is smarter than you. She could see that.
She could see that the other woman's son, man,
son was smarter than me.
I can see that these Hispanics got more than these blacks
because they got their own business.
They advocate for themselves.
So you, you, I say, now, why would she?
And then she used to also say,
I believe the nurse gave me the wrong baby.
No, no, no, no, no. I was the right baby.
But she was saying, you gotta shape up.
You, you, you can't represent me doing what you do.
And I just get all mad and all of that.
But you got the truth or set you free.
But they don't have Walmarts
and all these businesses, young men
that they named in these black neighborhoods.
They have their own God
that got his own.
And, and, and, and, and we don't do Walmart and Low
and Home Depot and Bo Bo Bo Bo get choice.
You don't have it. So young men and,
and you got illegal immigrants all coming in
into your neighborhood.
They not going, uh, uh,
up there in these white neighborhoods. They play
Those neighborhoods. Thank
you. Thank you Mr. Blackmore. Thank you Mr. Blakemore.
Our next speaker is Em Anderson. Em, Anderson.
Good morning. I definitely didn't wanna
follow all that wisdom.
No. But, um, I'm Kai Anderson.
Um, I'm speaking today as a business owner, a resident
and a property owner in the immediate area.
Um, growing up in the community
and attending the local high school,
I've been shopping on 87th Street for, I don't wanna say my,
at my age, but for a very long time.
And the, you know, to be honest, I'm embarrassed.
Uh, when I, I, I get off at 87th in the day,
and Ryan, it's too much trash.
And, and it's a wind tunnel. It's trash and debris.
There are security issues
that come up when you shop locally.
I shop in my community in my immediate area.
Um, and I love Chatham and I love Gresham and,
and I'm here to support it.
So much so that I've rolled up my sleeves with, uh,
under former Alderman, uh, Brookins as he tried
to clean the corridor, uh, with, uh,
alderman Mosley as he did the same.
And, and he's just having Alderman Mosley there.
And just to speak to his character, he's talked about all
of the assets that he's brought to the community already.
Um, and then Mr. Nelson, knowing the background
and history of Greater Auburn Gresham Development
Corporation, they've spawned 180 million in development,
a lot of which is minority owned nearby.
Now, if you combine those two,
and we address some of these issues
like the Home Depot issue, where there's over a hundred, um,
new citizens that line the, the borders of
that property every morning.
And we also have the security issues that we're talked about
and the border issues with trash,
where security guards are like, Hey, he crossed this line.
I can't pursue this guy anymore.
We do, we do actually need some coordinated effort.
Uh, we have great support from six district doing roll
calls on site.
Um, but to have an SSA is to have an asset to kind
of unify the whole thing.
I think one of the things the residents in the area may not
see or may not have experienced is the
grassroots approach that A CDC will provide to kind
of couple that support that the city needs
to just clean this area up altogether.
We don't, how do you address the migrant issue?
Well leave that up to a community-based organization to kind
of get out there and talk to them individually, do surveys,
um, give it a chance, you know, give it a chance.
We, we see what we have and we know that does not work.
And we know that this alderman can't do all this by himself.
So we do need some sort of larger scale effort,
some ongoing effort, um,
and put some line items to some
of these categories and get this done. Thank you.
Thank you. Ms. Anderson. Uh,
Uh, Michelle McGee.
Michelle McGee,
Doris Yelvington.
Doris Yelvington,
Michael Young Bay.
Yeah. Say my name for record.
Yes, please. Once again, I'm Michael Young Bay.
Um, I'm also one of the young brothers in this room too.
You know, I heard that young man speak
of all these different businesses that's owned
by these Europeans, you know,
and they big bop businesses, et cetera.
And they got millions
and millions of dollars that you don't need no
tax increase on the people, et cetera.
And I do say on the people,
because frankly I thought from the first, uh, meeting,
I don't know the, I, I care to know his name,
but the guy that's keep y'all keep having
come up here to explain.
But all the man, I was asked him a question on the number
of people it would affect.
And the study saying he don't know being honest.
He tried to make up something,
even though put out a false number of 20 people.
And then later on a lady come up here and she left
after they make they little pitches
for they things, et cetera.
'cause they really, not for the community, let's be honest.
So after they, she come up and make her pitch
and she say, oh, it is nobody.
It ain't nobody.
But you got people in the audience with, with letters,
with they pen numbers on it.
You know what I'm saying? And to that young brother,
you saying this about
what your organization doing and things like that.
These two relatives here, they don't know you.
You ain't go today though.
You see, don't try
to come up here like you on something and things like that.
I can put on nice suits too. And they know that.
And I'm homeless. And until I said I was homeless,
you wouldn't even know I'm homeless.
So don't try to come up here and speak to things.
That's why Mr. Blakemore spoke on you. Really.
And it's what he was saying, Because
age don't make you wise
and no need to do whatever school perspective or anything.
Some of the biggest foods are the educated foods.
So knock on those doors, brother.
'cause you even had a chance down here to pull them
to the side when the, when that sister first had a issue.
And David Moore come try to clean it up afterwards.
You know? 'cause I pay attention to things
just like the news caught you Gilbert with, um,
mayor Johnson up there, you know,
y'all the altercation and things like that.
I did too. And I called it before they called it
and I got the video, but I ain't got the audio
because y'all up there.
But I appreciate your courage
'cause I'm a good lit reader too.
So I'm gonna tell him like you told
Mayor Johnson, get on.
Thank you Mr. Young. Babe
I have Frankie Griffin again.
Or did you Frankie Griffin again?
Or did you, did you have your comments already? Okay.
Of course.
Okay. So again, my name is Gerald Griffin, together
with my wife Franzi Griffin, uh, we proudly own the board
of Griffin Design Center at 83rd and Princeton Avenue.
Um, we have invested our hearts, our time,
our resources into this community.
And I'm here to passionately support the establishment
of the SSA area 31,
I mean 81 to our neighborhood.
This is not just another program.
It's an opportunity to transform the community,
transform the community where we, uh,
where we live far too long,
black communities have been neglected, starved
of investment, denied basic resources
that other neighborhoods have and they thrive in.
We watch the streets, we walk on in spaces where we gather
deteriorate, and it's hurt families.
It's stifled opportunity.
It's weakened the fabric of our community.
And the SSA offers a real opportunity for us to change that.
This initiative will bring us the safety
and security our families deserve.
It will bring cleanliness, um, to the streets,
the proposed beautification projects, the landscaping,
the art projects, um,
the neighborhood becomes more attractive
and cost more business.
It's not just about cleaning up or making things look nice.
Uh, it's about justice.
It's about correcting years of neglect.
It's about creating a foundation
for real and lasting growth.
It's about giving our children, our neighborhoods,
and our businesses the vibrant, safe
and thriving environment
that they've fought for and waited for.
For far too long, I'm urging the approval of this SSA
because it's critical to the future of our neighborhood.
This is our chance to reclaim what we've lost
and build a stronger, brighter future, equitable future
for everyone who calls this community home.
Um, that statement is basically to say that,
uh, we make our own reality and we can sit around
and complain about what isn't happening and who isn't doing,
or we can just do it ourselves.
And the SSA to a great degree speaks about us taking charge
of our own communities
and bring about the change that we wanna see. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Griffin. Our next speaker
is Francine Dillard.
Um, Ms. Dillard, before you start, I'd like
to also recognize Alderman Wapac for purposes
of quorum. Okay. Mr. Dillard.
Hi, can you hear me? Mm-Hmm.
Um, good afternoon chairman and all the committee members.
My name is Francine Dillard.
I'm Vice Chair of the Board
of Directors at Greater Auburn Gresham Development Center.
Um, the SSA will provide a need to services for the area.
The organization has a strong reputation in providing
services and managing the SSA
and it currently manages an S-S-A-G-A-G-C has
provided services in the community for over 20 years
and has launched catalytic economic development
that Mr. Anderson spoke of, of $180 million in the area.
It's brought attention to greater Auburn Gresham,
not just on a local level, but on a national level as well.
So I really do appreciate that
primarily through its, uh,
work on creating a healthy lifestyle hub
to bring health services
and additional need to services to the community and beyond.
GGDC has been able to bring attention
for all community services through its, uh, programming
and servicing efforts.
The SSA will help in focusing primarily on debris
removal safety In addition to
economic development for facade enhancement
and customer attraction.
In addition to my work at G-A-G-D-C, I shop
and support the businesses within the boundary
of the proposed SSA.
Um, on a personal level, I live at, um, directly adjacent
to the boundaries of 87th Street.
I'm on 86th and Rockwell, which is primarily on the end.
So I travel through this community every single day.
Um, I am a, a witness to the, uh, safety issues
and also the debris removal needed in the area
of proposed SSA.
The proposed SSA will increase the walkability
customer experience, safety, and security for this area.
The proposed SSA will provide consistency
and services in the community, especially
in those areas that I mentioned before.
I'm support of the SSA and I request your approval
and support in the cons constitution
of this SSA. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Dillard.
I'd like to, uh, for the record also include Alderman Lee
to the, to the role for the purposes of quorum,
is there any member of the public taxpayer
or interested person who wishes to make a statement
with respect to this matter?
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing on
the proposed establishment,
the special service area number 81,
and the authorization of the levy of the services tax
for the provision of the special services.
Let the record reflect the public hearing,
and this matter was concluded at 1:07 PM 2024.
That concludes this public hearing.
My last one's, ladies and gentlemen,
Greg?
Yeah.
Our next order of business is hearing on SSA number 82.
We'll now have a roll call to establish a quorum. Mr.
Valez, please call the roll
Viegas present.
Mostly present, RA
Hall Mitchell
Chico, Lee
Gutierrez Lopez.
Tab Cruz
Present, Cardona
Beck, MIT
Present, Napolitano
Present, Riley Haworth.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Alderman Alderwoman Cruz and MIT Alderman Hall
and Theano have requested to participate in today's meeting
remotely under Rule 59.
May I get a motion to allow them to participate remotely?
Alderman Lee makes the motion to allow Alderman Napolitano,
alderman Hall, Alderwoman Cruz
Tabes admits to participate remotely.
All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any apol? Say nay.
As the chair of the ayes have it,
the older persons are permitted
to participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
The meeting will come to order. Let the record reflect.
This is a public hearing that is being held pursuant
to requirements of Section 27 dash 35, the State
of Illinois Service Service, special Service Area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 24th, 2024
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
or general circulation within the City of Chicago.
And notice was additionally mailed to the people,
and according to the schedule required by applicable law,
let the reporter mark the notice
as committee's Exhibit number one for identification.
This is a hearing to consider the establishment
of special service area number 82, referred to as hereafter
as the area and the authorization of the levy
of a special annual services tax for the provision
of certain, of certain special services.
The approximate street location
of the proposed area would consist of both sides
of Division Street bounded by Clark Street to the West
and State Street to the East.
The purpose of the established purpose
of establishing the area would be
to provide special services within the area.
The proposed special services to be
provided within the area include,
but not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic business development, public health
and safety programs,
and other activities to promote commercial
and economic development, which will be here and
after referred collectively as special services.
The special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some or all the proceeds
of the proposed services tax are anticipated to be used
by an entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entities shall be a service provider pursuant
to a services contract, each
as defined in the SER special service area tax law.
Special services would be in addition to services
provided to and by the city of Chicago, generally,
the services taxed under consideration would not exceed the
annual sum of 1% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be authorized
to be commenced in year 2024, and to be levied annually
and annually until and including tax year 2033.
The services tax would be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law, and would be levied pursuant
to the provisions of property tax code 35 ILCS 200
slash one dash one as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
establishment of special service area number 82,
please submit those comments to the Sergeant at arms
so those comments can be made.
Part of the record, is there a
statement from the alderman in the area?
I Please identify yourself for the record.
Good afternoon, uh,
chairman Viegas and members of the committee.
My name is, uh, Ethan Brady.
I'm the Chief of Staff to Alderman Brian Hopkins
of the Second Ward, uh,
that fully encompasses the proposed SSA, uh,
alderman Hopkins is in full support, uh, of the, uh,
proposed SSA 82, as well as the proposed budget, uh,
and the service provider as, uh,
division Street Merchants Association.
Um, I can opine further.
If the committee wishes on why Alderman Hopkins is in full
sport, please proceed.
Okay. Uh, so the, uh, particular stretch, uh,
of division from Clark Street, uh, to state is very unique.
Uh, alderman Hopkins was broached by local businesses, uh,
and stakeholders in the community, uh, who have had, uh,
a place on Division Street going back 65 years.
Uh, one notable location,
shenanigans Bar is actually has a unique, uh, privilege
of being the cer the first tavern in the city
of Chicago in the year 1970 to allow female bartenders, uh,
to serve alcohol.
Uh, that is only because they sued, uh,
and won, uh, at the Illinois Supreme Court level.
Um, history aside, uh, this particular locale, uh,
has very unique needs, uh,
from public safety to cleanliness.
Uh, the particular, uh, stakeholders on the block are known
to, uh, expend a lot of their personal business income, uh,
for public safety and for, uh, securing, uh, the public way,
uh, as well as hosting, uh, you know, community events.
This particular establishment would unify
and codify, uh, a special service area that would, you know,
dedicate public funds, uh, to continue their efforts, um,
above and beyond what they currently do.
Um, that's the extent of my statements. Thank you.
Thank you. Appreciate it.
Is there a statement for the
Department of Planning and Development?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, members
of the Committee for the record.
My name is Mark Rosin,
assistant Commissioner in the
Department of Planning and Development.
SSA number 82 is located in the Gold Coast
community in the second ward.
Alderman Hopkins has expressed
the support for this proposed.
S-S-A-D-P-D is requesting an establishment term of 10 years
for SSA 82, with the levy rate cap of 1%,
the boundaries extend along Division Street from state
West to Clark Street.
Two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted to garner input
and informed property owners.
Our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor,
the Division Street Merchants Association,
and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2025 is
$258,600 to fund a scope of services
that includes customer attraction, public way, aesthetics,
economic and business development, public health
and safety, SSA management and personnel.
The budget meets the requirements of the state SSA tax code
and DPD policies.
The SSA 82 Advisory Committee also recommends the Division
Street Merchants Association
as the SSA service provider for 2025.
This organization is welcome, has
represented this well-known entertainment district
since 1989.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed establishment
of this SSA.
We ask for the committee's support in approving this.
Thank you.
Thank you, assistant commissioner.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested person attending this hearing desires an
opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed establishment special service area
82, please communicate with the sergeant in arms,
so you may have an opportunity
to make those comments or objections.
I'm in receipt of multiple public comments,
and we'll start off with Chris Ryan.
Good afternoon. Good afternoon.
My name is, excuse me, Chris Ryan.
Uh, I have the privilege
and, uh, deep honor of, uh,
representing the Division Street Merchants Association
in this, um, particular situation.
Um, I do wanna say
that I am also, uh, on the board of the Old Town Merchants
and Residents Association.
Uh, this, uh, particular SSA,
um, opportunity, we'll say, is, uh,
is really important to the future
of our entertainment district.
Um, it, uh, has become
a rather economically onerous to do all the, uh, outreach
and welfare and,
and, uh, um, organizational things that, um,
that we have done, uh, as a volunteer community, uh,
for the last 30 whatever years.
Um, I, I wanna
somewhat stress the importance of responsible, vibrant,
uh, hospitality
and the, uh, the benefits that, uh, the community and the,
and the, uh, city at large, uh,
do glean from such an operation.
Um, when we have a saying in, in hospitality,
happy people don't cause problems.
Um, the, uh,
the analogous point there is that,
that a happy community works together harmoniously
and, uh, and productively.
We're at a, um, a nexus here
or a crux point where we need funding to
continue our mission that we have done on a volunteer basis
for some 30 odd years.
The, uh, the benefits, I, I believe, uh, for, uh,
taking this step forward
and securing that for the future will be limitless
because of the, um, the, the, the way that, uh,
businesses conducted radiates
and, uh, reaps benefits for all.
So I want, I'm here as a, um, a member
of the Division Street Merchants Association for 30 years,
and, uh, I want to, uh, project my support
of this initiative. Thank you, pri.
Thank you, Mr. Ryan And I finished on time, too.
Thank you. Appreciate that. Um, our next speaker is,
is it Arthur Holmes?
Is it Arthur? Uh, Arthur Holmes, yeah. Thank you.
Good afternoon, chairman, members of this committee.
My name is Arthur Holmer, and I'm a property owner
and business owner at 15 West Division for over a decade.
I'm here to show my support as a business owner in favor
of the SSA 82.
We believe the business community part
of the SSA are serving the residents
and providing a vibrant environment.
As one of the business owners, we have been paying
for security for over five years to ensure the area
and all community members have a safe
and vibrant environment.
I wanna thank this committee and your time,
and I wanna once again express my support for SSA 82.
Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Er. Our next speaker is Eric Lundstrom.
I,
Uh, good afternoon, and thank you.
My name is Eric Lundstrom.
I am the manager of the LLC that owns the property
at 26 to, uh, 16,
uh, division Street.
Uh, we have six small businesses, uh,
as you heard some dating back
to the early sixties in our building.
Uh, and we believe this would be very helpful
to those businesses in our building,
and we support the, uh, opportunity here at number 82.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Lindstrom. Our next speaker is Mel Jones.
Good. A good afternoon. Uh, thank you for seeing me.
My name is Mel Jones. Um, I've lived in the Gold Coast
for 15 years, and I strongly support the establishment
of special service area 82 on Division Street.
While this SSA is going to benefit, uh, shopping, dining,
nightlife, my primary concern in the neighborhood is
improving community safety as a significant challenge.
All of us face throughout the city
and in in our neighborhood, businesses take responsibility
for the safety of their surroundings.
These establishments absolutely do.
I I also lead a community safety group
with 5,000 representative, uh, um, people in it.
And we promote accountability for residents and businesses.
We believe in a neighbor front porch approach
where we all look out for one another.
When I raise my kids, I kind of showed them, uh,
one thought was,
your friends can make you really happy or miserable.
And the same could be said for a prop,
uh, a business manager.
Um, they have the power to shape the community
safety for better or worse.
Unfortunately, I often see businesses in my neighborhood, in
that neighborhood, in this
SSA violating city code 4 4 3 0 6,
which requires reporting of illegal activity
and cooperating with law enforcement.
Forming this SSA, I hope to see it elevate awareness
and adherence to these regulations, helping
to align all the small
and large businesses in my neighborhood to take a safer
and more consistent approach to crime in the cl, uh,
that impacts our neighborhood.
And, uh, also connects to the Clark
and Division open drug market, not just to see consequences,
uh, through the legal system,
but more importantly to see engagement
of the mentally challenged
and addicted to getting help through diversion.
Certain corporate policies negatively impact our community
and our neighborhood safety.
For instance, Walgreens at 1200 North Dearborne has become a
hotspot for criminal activity.
Walgreens corporate policy appears to follow a strategy
of inconsistent crime response,
which only worsens public safety issues
and increases recidivism in the area.
One of the leading solutions to theft has been
to install more plexiglass, which is bizarre,
but this approach fails to address the root problem.
Repeat offenders,
SSA 82 is vital for empowering all businesses
to take responsibility, report crimes,
and work with neighborhoods, create a safer environment.
Many businesses within this SSA have already committed
reporting crime and supporting efforts help individuals
struggling with addiction, aiming
for intervention over incarceration.
This is just a respectful message to all the, uh,
businesses within this SSA
and in the neighborhood aren't All
of the neighbors expect you to understand that we're going
to hold businesses accountable for reporting crime
and following through whether this SSA is formed or not.
And I do hope it will be.
It is also notable that no taxpayer, uh,
pin pins are being used. Thank you. Thank
You, Mr. Jones.
Next speaker is Lynn McAneney.
Uh, Nicole.
Good afternoon. Good Afternoon.
Members of the board and council.
My name is Lynn McKinney,
and I have lived in the community
for well over 30 some years, raised a family
and have a strong business ethic there.
I'm a woman, woman owned business.
A lot of my personal, my personal property
and my business properties are within the community.
I support a lot of neighborhood communities, uh, on,
and I am on boards.
Our efforts here with the My Company Large Management Group.
We have a strong ethics of keeping us
building a, uh, security for the neighborhood
and neighbors of families within our community.
Um, our businesses are strong,
and yes, we do abide by the worlds.
I really support the division Street SSA
and Hope with hopes of building a secure, safe,
and a prosperous community for all.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you. Thank you, Lynn.
Our next speaker is Chris Ellis.
Good
Afternoon, counsel.
My name is Chris Ellis.
I am a member of a company called Newcastle Investors
and owner operator in the city of Chicago.
Newcastle owns the property located at the northwest corner
of state and Division Street.
Newcastle is proud members
of several ssas across the city of Chicago.
And our, uh, in general support of all
of the initiatives conducted by ssas, uh,
Newcastle just wants to bring to the attention here, uh,
the number of pins
or, uh, group members located within the SSA.
And in terms of the budget that is created for
or proposed for this SSA, uh, we are generally in support
of the public matters that are provided by the SSA
and wish to see that continue.
Uh, under this current budget, we, Newcastle's does see some
of this being some of private matter.
And in that result, we would like to see consideration
for the SSA to be expanded to include other, uh,
merchants and buildings within this neighborhood,
further west, down Division Street towards Clark Street and,
or well street or, uh,
potential down the adjacent neighborhoods, uh, that could,
uh, garnish the support
and help from the SSA, uh, that is being allowed.
We, uh, agree with the members
that have discussed today in terms of security and Right.
Uh, and, and would like to see that just
to help further benefit, uh, a larger portion of this area.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Ellis.
Um, Steve, um, I'm sorry.
Uh, Mr. George Blakemore. Oh,
Sure. Now
this is on division.
This is SSA, uh, I live in this area,
but I live on public, uh, subsidy.
But I lived years paying Mark Rent, right at 13th,
47 North Borough on the Gold Coast.
And now I live in a little subsidized
of well over 40 years.
I, 50 years I've lived in this area,
and only three years I've been on sub subsidized rent.
And it's the difference between 1347, uh, uh,
north dur than over on, on, let's say and division
and even their mothers all along.
That little, that, that place, it is changed.
I was there other day filming over there letting
my Facebook friends know.
And then you had these run cops out,
these run cops out at mother and church shenanigan round.
These rental cop can create havoc.
They don't, they're not police department,
and had some kind of stun gun,
and they went over to that man
and was telling them to get up.
These runner cops should stay in that fence,
not come out on the street
and played police with the people,
play policeman with the people.
So I know this area and,
and I'm very el elated now, Mr.
Blakemore Company, just
because, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, you didn't move out
of this, this hiring area three blocks with subsidy.
No, I, I know how racist it is in that area too,
just because I lived up there.
They didn't like to see nobody with a cart rolled up
and down the street selling hat and, and my artwork.
So now, uh, it's coming to you, to the,
to the north side, the second ward,
and these white, rich, white ward,
you get the, what you deserve.
You deserve what you get.
So I'm seeing high crime in that area right there,
where Chicago, I mean division and, and,
and, and, and state.
So now the white folks are feeling the pain, the suffering,
because you all called it, you all cause it.
You never knew that it was gonna come.
Mr. Blakemore, Mr.
Blakemore, please, please address the body. Please
See the same dog that
Mr. Mr. Blakemore,
please address the body. Please
Address the body.
Thank you. I can turn around and speak
or whatever if I want to.
So I'm very familiar with that area all up there.
Mothers got and guess most of those rental policemen obliged
Rent a police, and they have that gang a gun.
So this problem.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore. Our next speaker, Ms.
Thank you Mr. Blakemore. Our next speaker is Steven Sin.
I'm glad you don't even have a quorum here.
And keep on going with me. There's only two of y'all left.
They all be here.
Mr. Sin, please proceed.
Good afternoon, chairman Committee. My name is Steven Sin.
I'm a part-time resident, full-time employee of Chicago.
Um, I represent lodge management, which has been doing, uh,
work in the area.
Um, we, um, we manage, um,
five businesses including three pins, uh, within the, uh,
proposed SSA, which are all in favor of the SSA.
Um, we provide security.
We power wash the alleyways, the public ways.
We, um, have decorations come see the
fall, Thanksgiving decorations.
Now they're currently being displayed.
Um, so we're in favor of that.
I do have some appointments that are non-paid, um,
which are Division street merchants, gold Coast neighbors,
um, just elected to the board.
And, um, and the 18th district, um, um, deck committee
as a hospitality chair.
So with, um, all those, um, appointments, um,
those groups are also in favor of this.
SSA, um, mostly the, um, division street merchants,
which represents nearly 50% of the pins
that are in the proposed area.
Um, so as it was said earlier, a lot of the stakeholders
that have represented
and shown their support
of the SSA are currently flipping the bill.
Um, I can speak for lodge management.
I know Lodge management pays about $600,000
of security annually,
and I know they pay about $80,000 in beautification efforts,
for example, cleaning, um, the streets, alleyways,
garbage cans, et cetera, et cetera.
So we know that, um, there are needs to support the city
to make sure that we, um, provide our guests who come
to visit us a safe place to be happy, as Mr. Ryan, um, said,
um, also to the neighborhood to make sure that they're not,
um, quality lives are interrupted.
Um, and as well, um, I think we are very excited
to have the SSA to kind
of formalize our organization who's been
doing this for about 40 years.
Uh, we welcome the oversight and the reports and, and,
and the guidance and the, um, we really are thankful
for the help that the city has given us
to get to this point today.
So thank you for your consideration
and we hope for our considerable vote.
Thank you. I, I do wanna state for the record
that a quorum is needed to start the meeting.
However, since there are no votes taken, um,
the quorum is not needed to proceed with the hearing.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any residents, taxpayer
or other interest interested person attending this,
we hearing desires an opportunity to express their views
for against the proposed establishment, a special,
serious air number 82.
Please step forward.
Is there any member of the public taxpayer in person
who wishes to make a statement with respect to this matter?
We elect you, uh, madam. Then I'll come out. I'm
Good afternoon. My name is Darcy Rochelle Carter.
Um, I'd just like to say first of all, that,
um, I love this city.
I love this city. It's where I was born.
It was where I was raised, good, bad, and ugly.
It's, it's the city that has, uh,
made me the person I am today.
And I'm glad that I was able to be here today to see a part
of city government at work.
And I just wanted to make a couple more comments
and then I'll be on my way.
So, um, and there are other de uh, some minute details
that I would like
to further explore about the whole SSA process
that I will take up with my alderman, Mr.
Uh, hall, who is not physically present or,
and I haven't seen his name on the Zoom,
but anyway, um, I'd just like to say that, uh,
a government budget is a moral document.
It reflects the trust between the government,
the relationship of the trust
between the government and the citizens.
And with that in mind, um,
there's a big difference between the have
and have nots in this city.
Those who are poor, and those who, uh, are more affluent.
And a levy of 2% in a more affluent, um,
alderman Ward is a lot different for people there
and businesses there than it is for people
where the residents are not as affluent,
that don't have generational wealth.
Um, the racial wealth gap is very well reflected in this
city, and I just think that
going forward, that we need to have more of a, uh,
moral conscious about this.
One of the things about the safety, the,
the beautification, which is like
the trash in the neighborhood, it's not just a
situation where you can just throw money at it, get somebody
to pick it up because the garbage
is gonna show up the next day.
It's a moral issue.
And so these things go beyond just having money
to pay someone to pick up the trash, having money
to pay someone, whether it's private
or police overtime to police an area
to create public safety.
So I just wanted to go on the record with that, um,
because like I said, I love this city.
The city has made me who I am.
I came of age here
and I just want to see it be a better place.
I know that it can be, I'm full of hope that it will be.
And I just would like to just let everyone know, uh,
who will have this transcription or whatever,
and to go on a public record that, that my heart is
for the people of this city.
And I am praying for all of us
because there's a lot of work we have to do. Thank you.
Thank you. I appreciate it. Ma'am,
could you fill out a ping sheet for our records, please?
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Yes. Blake Moore, man, you, you be a little speak
a little quieter and everything
because perhaps you could have a mental breakdown.
Uh, I think that perhaps so many of our citizens,
uh, uh, under mental stress,
and that's why they are acting like they are acting
and all the stress
that have been on the black people in the ghettos,
now the white people are feeling that stress too.
I made a statement, the dog barked at me,
and it's going to bite you.
So we have to think together and be one.
So you thought by being up on the north side
and near north side, manipul them now and these awards two
and three, and,
and owing the ful to market
that everything was gonna be good for you,
and that these troubles
that was going on in the ghetto wouldn't come to you.
And so that's what I like about Dell.
Everybody have to go and maybe I might praise council,
but if it spreads on me, it can spread on you.
So you all have been so complacent.
You white folks that have been enslaved, black people
denied us good jobs, contracts
and service, education, safe neighborhoods.
Now you begin to see the pain and the suffering.
And then, uh, uh, you can't S-S-C-O-A out of that.
Oh no, because it's written and it's part of the universe.
You read the seed, you sold,
you sold these bad seeds for me to reap.
Now you are reaping them.
I said, let me go down on division now that,
that Walgreens used to stay open 24 hours now close at 12.
I, uh, that's not the division that, that I used to know.
And, and they shooting all on Hubbard and State
and all on the magnificent amount they have robbing
and killing because she thought it could be confined
to the ghetto, to the black people, bad school,
no economic develop, no safe part.
But you thought it could just be in that area.
Now they're coming after you. And I'm, I'm loving it.
I'm grinning, I'm smiling.
So you thought that you were just all going to happen to me.
And the reason I'm getting old
and skinny, everything, I'm, I think I, I'm coming
to the end of the road
and each one of you gonna come to the end of the road too.
It's just a matter of time that all of y'all have to read
to see that you, so,
so the universe is unfolding as it should.
Alright, ma'am, when you tell,
unfold as
It should. Thank you
Mr. Blackmore.
Alright, Is there any other member
of the public taxpayer interested in person who wishes
to make a statement or respect to this matter?
Seeing no other? Ladies
and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing on the
proposed establishments of special service,
the proposed establishment
of special service area number 82,
and the authorization of the levy of the services tax
for the provision of the special services.
Let the record reflect,
let the record reflect the public hearing on this matter was
concluded at 1:41 PM 2024.
That concludes this public hearing.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen.