Good morning.
The committee on the Committee on Economic Capital
Development Technology Developments call to order.
Our first order of business is hearing on SSA number 17 dash
2025 Central Lakeview Wrigleyville.
We'll now have a roll call to establish quorum.
Please use the iPads
provided to you and mark yourself present.
Note that your present response will be deemed a yes vote
when this quorum calls used as a reference.
Vote for later. Mr. Venegas, please open the vote.
All right. Um, Mr.
Venegas, please go ahead
and, um, call out the, the member's names
to see if they're, they're here.
Alderman Hall, alderman Mitchell Alderwoman.
Lee Alder Online. Alderwoman Gutierrez Present.
Alderman Lopez. Alderman Mosley. Alderwoman Tabes.
Alderwoman Cruz. Here. Alderman Cardona.
Alderman Waga. Present.
Alderwoman Mitt Alderman Napolitano.
Alderman Riley Alderman. We have a quorum.
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Alderwoman Ez
and Lee have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely under Rule 59.
May I get a motion to allow 'em to participate remotely?
Alderman Cardone motions to allow Alderwoman EZ
and Lee to participate remotely.
All those in favor, please say aye.
Any opposed, say nay independent chair? The ayes have it.
Uh, the all persons are permitted
to participate remotely today.
They will be marked as present on the quorum call. Alright.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
This meeting will come to order.
Let the record reflect this is a public hearing being held,
held pursuant to requirements of the state
of Illinois Special Service aerial tax law 35 ILCS
200 2200 dash 27 dash five as amended from time to time,
which I will call the special service Aerial Tax Law
and Section 27 dash 35
of the Special Service Aerial Tax Law.
As amended notice of this public hearing
regarding determination of SSA 17
and the establishment of special service area 17 dash 2025
and was first published on September 26th, 2025,
the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of General Circulation within the City of Chicago
and notice was additionally mailed
to the people in accordance
to the schedule required by applicable law.
Let the rec let the reporter mark the notice
as committee's Exhibit one for identification.
On July 6th, 2011, the City Council of City
of Chicago enacted an ordinance as further amended
by an ordinance enacted
by the City Council on November 16th, 2016,
which established an area known
and designated as the city
of Chicago's Special Service area number 17,
which I will call the original area.
That ordinance authorized the levy
of an annual tax from 2011 through
and including 2025,
which I will call the original services tax.
The original services tax was
to provide certain special services services in
for the original area, in addition to the services
provided by and to the city of Chicago.
Generally, this is a hearing to consider termination
of the authorization of the levee
of the original services tax for the original area,
the establishment of a new area to be known as designated
as City of Chicago Special Service area number 17 dash 2025
and the authorization of a levee special annual services tax
for the provision, the certain
special services within the area.
The approximate street location
of the proposed area would consist of the territory
of Clark Street from Byron Street to Fletcher Street,
Belmont Avenue, from Racine Avenue to Halstead Street,
diversity Parkway from Sheffield Avenue to Halstead Street,
Sheffield Avenue from Irving Park to Diversity Parkway.
Addison from Clark Street to Rita Avenue,
Irving Park Road from Sheffield Avenue to Fremont Avenue,
Fremont Street, and Waveland Avenue from Clark
Street to Sheffield Avenue.
The purpose of this establishment, the area would be
to provide special services within the area
to propose special services to be
provided within the area, include
but are 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 here and
after, prefer to collectively as special services.
The special services may include
new construction or maintenance.
Some or all the proceeds
of proposed service attacks are anticipated to be used
by an entity other than the city of Chicago
to provide the special services to the area which shall,
which such an entity shall be a service provider pursuant
to services contract, each as identified, each as defined,
rather in the special service area 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 amount of 0.39% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be authorized
to commence in tax year 2025 and to be levied annually until
and including tax year 2039.
The services tax will be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law and will be levied pursuant to the,
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 in the proposed
termination of the authorization of the levy
of the original services tax for the original area, depe,
the establishment of a new area
and the authorization of services tax within the area
for special services, please submit those comments
to the sergeant or arms so comments can be
made part of the public record.
Is there anyone who wishes to submit written
comments or objections?
We have written comment.
Um, we have received written comment in opposition
to the SSA has been added, added
to the committee's share drive for review.
Is there a statement from the alderman in the area?
Alright, seeing none,
is there a statement from the
Department of Planning and Development?
Yes. At this time, we recognize, uh, deputy, uh,
commissioner Rohan.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman
and members of the Committee for the record,
my name is Mark Rosin,
an assistant commissioner in the Department
of Planning and Development.
SSA number 17 dash 2025 will replace the current SSA number
17 located in the Lakeview community in the 44th
and 46 wards.
Alders, Lawson, and Clay have expressed their support
for this proposed SSA,
which would replace the current SSA on January 1st, 2026.
State statute requires a new SSA entity
whenever properties are removed from an SSA in this case,
the boundaries of the proposed SSA have been refined
to remove approximately three blocks
of residential properties.
DPD is requesting the establishment
of the new SSA number 17 dash 2025 for a term of 15 years
with the levy rate cap of 0.39%.
This ordinance will also terminate the current SSA number
17, which would
otherwise expire on December 31st, 2026.
Two community meetings
and a mailing of all pins were con conducted
to inform SSA property owners of this proposed SSA
with the opportunity to provide their feedback.
Our department has received the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the Lakeview East Chamber
of Commerce, and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2026 is $931,371
to fund a scope of services that includes 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 current SSA number 17 commission is also recommending
that the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
as the service provider for 2026.
This organization has successfully managed the SSA number
eight since its inception in 1987, along
with SSA number 17 since 2015.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed establishment
of SSA number 17 dash 2025.
We ask for the committee's favorable support
of approving this replacement. SSA.
Thank you, uh, deputy commissioner, ladies
and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer,
other interested person, interested person attending this
hearing desires an opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed termination of the authorization
of the levy of the original services tax
for the original area, the establishment of a new area
and the authorization of a services tax within the
area for special services.
Please communicate with the sergeant arms
so you may have an opportunity to make
those comments or objections.
Is there any member of the public taxpayer interested in
person who wishes to make a statement
with respect to this matter?
I have five members, um, from the public that have,
uh, wanna make a statement.
So if, um,
the microphone, we have six now.
We have six, uh, we have, um, microphone in the back.
So, um, I'm gonna call three people.
If you can line up, um, Maureen Martino,
William Gold and Ivy Speck.
There's a microphone in the back.
You'll each have two, you'll each have two minutes.
I'm gonna acquisi this mine to a property owner.
Okay. Um, um, if you could, if you could,
um, ma'am, who are, who are you, ma'am?
I'm Maureen Martino with the
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
Okay. So, but I'd, I would like to give the opportunity
for a property order that's being taxed
to speak, so save time. Gotcha.
So what we'll do it, uh, miss, uh, Martino is
that we'll have the gentleman fill out a form.
Um, take it. Okay, perfect.
Sir, if you could, um, you, your,
your comments are limited to two minutes.
Sure. If you could, before you start, uh, pronounce, uh,
spell your name for the court reporter.
Of course. My name is William Gold, W-I-L-L-I-A-M-G-O-L-D.
Like the color.
Please begin, sir. Uh, I'm the owner of Trader Todd's,
which has been in, uh, the neighborhood for 25 years.
I currently, uh, I'm sorry,
I recently bought it from Todd Hyatt
and the SSA is very beneficial
and necessary for men like me.
I've been working in bars for 30 years.
I was just talking to a bunch of my old friends.
I can't believe I actually own a business.
And it was all due
to things like the SSA being able to help me out.
Todd was a great owner,
but at the end he was somewhat neglectful
of the infrastructure of the business.
The SSA is helping me rebuild the facade of our business so
that we can keep going hopefully for another 25 years.
It's things like this that help guys like me
continue on in business in the SSA.
And that's all I really have to say.
I'm not gonna take up the full
two minutes. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Congratulations, sir. Thank you.
Uh, we have Ivy Speck, Jean
Satori, atory, I'm sorry.
And, um, ma um, Mary Ned Bosky,
and I apologize in advance if I'm not saying it properly.
You Ready for me? Uh, if you could, uh,
spell your name for the court reporter.
Ivy, like Poison, IVY speck, S-P-E-C-K.
Thank you. So I've been a contributing business
and building owner since 1996.
SSA 17 has brought us facade programs, a gallery
of arts, graffiti removal, sidewalk cleaning, landscaping,
bicycle racks, cameras, security patrols,
and beautiful holiday decorations.
They also work tire tirelessly
to turn vacancies into housing.
I'm proud to share that.
On May 11th, 2025, I completed my certification
with the Office of the Attorney General.
My name again is Ivy Spec.
Thank you, Ms. Spec. Hi, um,
I'm Jeannie Sto,
that's
J-E-A-N-N-E-A-I-T-U-R-E.
Okay. And, um, thank you.
I wanna thank everybody for your, their attendance
and thank you for this opportunity, especially our, um,
planning department and, um, um, um, Maureen
and what she's done with her team Mary
and not, uh, in our whole neighborhood
and community as has been absolutely amazing.
Every one of our, I I'm a resident
and, uh, we're in a FI 51 unit building
and we had more than half of our entire building in support
of our SSA 17
because they see how beautiful our neighborhood is
and how safe our neighborhood is.
And, um, we are the entertainment district now,
and we, um, we have more than enough, you know,
opportunities to improve that.
And thankfully we can because of our SSA.
So thank you so much for supporting our SSA 17 and everyone.
Um, and, and also it's, you know, a great part
of Chicago, so thank you.
Thank you.
Hi there. I'm Mary Ned Balki,
that's M-A-R-Y-N-E-D-B-A-L-S-K-I.
And I live right at the corner of Sheffield
and Roscoe, which is ground zero
for all the Wrigleyville action.
If you've ever been around that corner, it's not
exactly quiet.
Um, between Cubs, games, concerts, bar crawls,
bachelor parties dressed like cowboys,
there's always something happening.
And that's exactly why I love it.
Wrigleyville has this energy that you can't fake.
It's Chicago's living room, but it's also a place
that needs extra TLC
to keep it looking good after the party ends.
And that's where the SSA comes in.
The SSA is basically the neighborhood's cleanup, crew,
gardeners, security blanket
and hype team all rolled into one.
They're the folks making sure the trash is gone
before the morning commuters walk the walk
by the flowers are still blooming in August
when and October.
If we have postseason baseball and the streets feel safe
and welcome for everyone who lives, works
and plays here, even in the off season when the crowds thin
and the lights aren't as bright,
the SSA keeps the area alive.
They're the reason storefronts don't feel forgotten in the
winter, and the sidewalks don't go silent.
Whether it's the holiday decor, small business promotions,
or just keeping things tidy and lit up with holiday lights.
That consistent presence reminds people
that Wrigleyville is not just a summer fling,
it's a year-round neighborhood.
As a property owner, I can tell you it matters When the
sidewalk sparkle, the neighborhood is happy,
and my property looks great, the people want to be here.
The services provided by the SSA keep the wheels turning
behind the scenes so Wrigleyville stays not just
fun, but functional.
Without it, we'd all be out there with our brooms
after a night game to shovel up
confetti and beer cans on our own.
And nobody wants that. So in short,
the SSA keeps the party going and the neighborhood thriving.
It turns the, oh boy, here's another Cubs weekend into, wow,
look how great our streets look on a Monday.
Thanks again for keeping Wrigleyville wonderful
and for letting the people who love it take care of it.
Thank you. Our final speaker is Mr. George Blakemore.
He denied me from speaking in this mic
and he's telling me to sit down.
Well, and all these white people are in here for that.
SSAI dare you to try to do that to me.
Who do you think I am or who are you?
He gonna say you can't, you can't speak. Oh, yes, I can.
All these little white folks in there. I'm against this.
SSA and I'm gonna give you the reasons why I'm against it,
because it's just another game.
We have streets and sanitation.
We have our police department.
It's just for the little chamber to hustle money.
I've been against this.
SSA, so maybe that's the why you all abuse me,
because I'm a smart one.
That's why you white people in here,
boy, I'm against it.
And if the black advocate for I'm still against,
it's just another damn game that being played
with these chambers and all, uh, additional money.
Who do you think you I am? He say, Mr.
Blakemore, you can't sign up. Mr. Blakemore, sit down. Mr.
Blakemore. What these, oh, listen,
where are black leadership up here?
Where are black officer up here?
So go there with me telling me to down.
I I'm Blind Ling crazy. Where are they?
I'm not the one to be played with. I'm totally against this.
SA the blackness
who have it in their community too is just a hustle we have.
I don't care. I'm not intimidated by you.
I'm not one of the, and they're all Democrat.
They all look like the Democrat. Now leave me alone.
Leave me alone until these minutes sit up
and you don't like to walk out.
I got three. One more minute. B. B and I'm seated.
Thank you. Ladies
and gentlemen, this concludes the public's hearing on the
proposed termination of the, the authorization of the levy
of the original services tax for the original area,
the establishment of a new area
and the authorization of services tax
within the special services.
Let the record reflect the public hearing on this matter was
concluded at 10:47 PM October 14th, 2025.
That concludes this public hearing.
Yes, ma'am. Uh,
we, we will, um, have you speak
with the member from the Department of Planning
and Development, uh, after this meeting.
Yes.
Sorry. Yeah, ma'am. Yep.
Yep. So ma'am, um,
after this meeting, we'll have you speak with, uh, Mr.
Mark Rosin from the Department of Planning
to determine what's the best way to move forward.
Thank you. Our next
order of business is a hearing on SSA number
2027 Westlake View.
We will now have a roll call to establish quorum.
Please use the iPads
provided to you and mark yourself present.
Note that your present response will be deemed a yes vote
when the, when this quorum call is used as a reference.
Vote for later. Mr. Bogue, please open the vote.
Okay. Um, we'll, we'll go ahead
and just, uh, do the, uh, old fashioned quorum call Mr.
Venegas. Please call the role
Alderman Alderman Hall.
Alderman Mitchell. Alderman Chico.
Alderman Lee Alderman Gutierrez C Present Alderman Lopez.
Alderman Boley Alderwoman tab
present here.
Alderman Cardona Present Alderman Back Present Alderman
Viegas Present, Alderwoman Mi Alder Alderman Napolitano.
Present Alderman Riley Alderwoman Mana Haworth.
Present, we have a quorum Alderman Online. Sorry.
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Alderwoman Tabes and Lee have requested
to participate today's meeting remotely on Rule 59.
May I get a motion to allow them to participate remotely?
Alderwoman Gutierrez motions to allow Alderman Alderwoman,
uh, tabes and Lee to participate remotely.
All those in favor, please say aye. Any opposed, say nay.
Any pen chair of the ayes have it.
All the persons are permitted to participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
This 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 aerial tax law 35 ILCS 200 slash
25 27 dash five as amended from time to time,
which I will call the 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 26th in
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 record reflect that notice has been marked
as committee's exhibit number one for identification
and has been emailed by the Committee to the court reporter
for inclusion in the record.
On November 16th, 2011, the city council, the City
of Chicago, enacted in ordinance,
which was published in the Journal of Proceedings
of the City Council for such dates at pages 14, 9 6 6
through 1 5 0 9 7, and which established an area known
and designated as City
of Chicago's special Service area number 27
and authorized the levy
and annual tax for the period of beginning in 2011 through
and including 2025, not to exceed an annual rate
of 0.25% equalized assessed value
of the taxable property therein
to provide certain special services in
and for the original area in addition to the services
provided by and to the city of Chicago generally.
And this is a hearing to consider four things.
First, we will consider the enlargement
of the boundaries of the original area.
I will now call the enlarged original area the area.
Second, we will consider the authorization
of certain special services in the area
distinct from the original special services,
which I will now call the special services.
Third, we will consider authorizing the services tax at an
annual rate of 0.25% of the equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area,
which I would now call the service tax.
Fourth, we will consider the authorization of an extension
of the original levy period allowing for the levy
of the special service of the services tax, rather
for the provision of the special services in the area
through and including tax year 2039,
which I would now call the levy.
Period. The approximate street location is
that the proposed area would consist
of the territory on Southport Avenue from Byron Street
to Belmont Avenue, Lincoln Avenue from Addison Street
to Diversity Parkway, Addison Avenue, from Addison Street
to Diversity Parkway and Belmont Avenue from Ravenswood
Avenue to Racine Avenue.
The proposed, the proposed special services now to be
provided within the area include
but are not limited to customer traction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements, economic
and business developments, public health
and safety programs, and other activities
to promote commercial and economic development.
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 entity shall be service provider pursuant
to services contract each
as identified in the special services area tax law.
These 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 0.25% of equalized assessed value
of the taxable property within the area.
The services tax would be extended through Levy period
and would be authorized to be levied annually.
This services tax will be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law and will be levied pursuant to provisions
of the property tax code 35 LIL CS 200 dash slash
rather, one dash one as amended from time to time.
If anyone wishes to submit written comments on the proposed
changes to the original area, the original special,
original special services authorization
of the services tax in an annual rate of 0.25%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the original levy period and the levy of the services tax
for the provision of the special services in area
for a period through and including year tax year 2039.
Please submit those comments to the sergeant
or arms so the comments can be
made part of the public record.
Is there anyone who wishes to submit written
comment or objections?
We have received a written comments in opposition to this.
SSA has been added
to the committee's shared drive for review.
Is there a state statement from the alderman in the area?
Seeing none, is there a statement from the Department
of Planning and Development?
Yes, Mr. Roen, please proceed.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman
and members of the committee for the record.
My name is Mark Roen,
an assistant commissioner in the
Department of Planning and Development.
SSA number 27 located in the Lakeview community is in the
32nd, 44th, 46th, and 47th wards.
Alders, wack Lawson, clay
and Martin have expressed their
support for the extension of this.
S-S-A-D-P-D is requesting a 15 year term extension
of SSA number 27 for a term of 15 years with a levy rate cap
of 0.25%, two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins were conducted
to inform SSA property owners of the proposed SSA
with the opportunity to provide their feedback,
our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor,
the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce,
and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2026 is
$1,126,024 to fund a scope of services
that includes customer traction, public way, aesthetics,
economic 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 number 27 commission is also recommending the
Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
as the SSA service provider for 2026.
This organization has successfully managed SSA 27 since in
it's inception in 2006.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed extension
of SSA number 27.
We ask for the committee's favorable support
of approving this SSA term extension. Thank you. Thank
You Mr. Rohan. Ladies
and gentlemen, if any resident taxpayer
or other interested party person
attending this hearing desires an opportunity
to express their views for, for
or against the proposed changes to the original area,
the original special services authorization of services tax,
and an annual rate of 0.25%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the original levy period and of the levy
of the services tax for the provision
of the special services in the area for a period through
and including tax year 2039.
Please communicate with Sergeant rm c.
You may have an opportunity to make
those comments or objections.
We have five public speakers.
Um, for this SSA, uh,
we will be allotted two minutes for public comment.
Uh, if I'll call your name if you could, um, three, uh,
lineup behind the microphone.
We'll start off with Kyle, uh, CU Kyle Cuba,
followed by Stephanie Beaterman
and Megan Avik.
Uh, and as I stated earlier,
please um, spell your name for the court
Reporter. Uh, my name is Kyle
Tuber.
Kyle, KYLE tuber,
CUBR oh.
Um, my name is Kyle. I am the Senior Operations Manager at
the Historic Music Box Theater on Southport.
Uh, we've been in business, uh, for over 96 years.
The SSA 27 has directly benefited the music box in Lakeview
overall in several ways.
Uh, my feeder benefits from the installation
of street scape elements such
as the SSA maintain litter abatement, bins
and seating elements on the sidewalk outside
of the theater in addition
to several dozen other key locations throughout the area.
In the case of my business,
the litter bins have helped keep the streets clean from
theater related trash, such as cups, popcorn bags, candy,
uh, Cubs, Cubs game trash
and takeout from the Deli next store.
And the seating elements have
provided places for theater goers to relax while waiting
for showtimes or for ride shares following screenings.
Additionally, the music box has benefited directly from both
the SSA 27 security rebate in 2025, as well
as the SSA 27 Community Events
and Placemaking grant
as a Chicago International Film Festival utilized this
program to co-fund the opening night block party in front
of the music box in 2022 and 2023.
The SSA's Financial Incentive programs have enabled us
and its partners the flexibility to fund programs
that have ensured the safety of the theater
and draw additional patrons to our business.
Thank you Mr. Schubert.
Uh, okay. Does it, do I have to lower? All right.
Does that help? Stephanie Beaterman.
S-T-E-P-H-A-N-I-E Beaterman, B as in boy,
I-E-D-E-R-M-A-N.
My name is Stephanie Beaterman
and I've been the president of the Lakeview Roscoe Village
Chamber of Commerce for three years
and have served on the board for over eight years.
Over the past decade,
special Service Area 27 has dedicated investments
to a mission to turn Lakeview into one of Chicago's premier
creative neighborhoods with investments in over 20 vibrant
murals, sculptures, and temporary installations.
Alongside beautifying the, uh, experience
of traversing through Lakeview.
These projects have brought national attention to Lakeview,
including the 2024 installation of the Girl
and the City by Matthew Metter at 1601 West Belmont
Avenue, being the recipient of a national mural award
each year, the SSA keeps Lakeview fresh
and exciting through several annually rotating pieces,
including a four piece sponsorship
with the Chicago sculpture exhibit to ex to exciting
and innovative sculptures to Ashland Avenue,
and 12 pieces on art panels located along the low line at
Southport, Ashland and Palina.
Each call for artists released
by the SSA attracts several dozen artists from the diverse
Chicago artists community,
which showcases the community's desire to work with the SSA
to bring their art to Lakeview.
The SSA's investment in art in every corner
of Lakeview has positioned the neighborhood
as a public art destination that is ever evolving, changing,
and expanding artistic boundaries.
Thank you. Hi.
Hi. My name's Megan Ozick.
M-E-G-H-A-N-R-A-D as in dog,
OSEV as in Victor, IC as in Cat.
Um, I have been a resident of West Lakeview
for over nine years, and I really love my neighborhood
and recently found that many
of the things I love about West Lakeview are a direct result
of localized investments made by the SSA.
On my daily walks around the neighborhood, I'm able
to experience clean streets
and landscaping, as well
as the beautiful murals we just talked about, which are all
provided by the SSA during the holidays, the dynamic
and ever-changing decorations installed
by the SSA make my neighborhood magical
and provide photo opportunities for my whole family,
which has made Christmas card pictures a lot easier.
Um, when I'm out and about.
It's exciting to watch residents
and visitors alike use the SSA installed wayfinding kiosks
to learn more about my community
and assist in finding new businesses to shop
or dine at with friends and family.
With the recent construction completed on Lincoln Avenue,
these kiosks have had such a positive impact on the growth
of our local businesses.
There's always something fun
and interesting to do in Westlake view, including the dozens
of community events funded by the SSA directly.
Some of my favorite events happen right
outside my door on Lincoln Avenue, such
as the annual Lincoln Art
and Craft Fair in the summer, the Lincoln Brunch Fest
that just happened and the
ice sculpture event in the winter.
In the near decade that I've spent in West Lakeview,
I've witnessed the neighborhood grow
and evolve into the business
and family friendly community It is today,
and this growth is a direct result
of the investments made by the SSA.
I'm extremely grateful to be a part of a community
with such an active and supportive SSA
that make my experience as a resident so special.
Thank you. Our, our last two public speakers, um,
Nicholas Gill and Thomas Pendry.
Uh, before you speak, I'd like to add, uh,
alderman Riley to the roll call.
Alright. Please proceed.
My name is Nicholas Gill, N-I-C-K-O-L-A-S,
last name Gill, GIL.
Good morning. Morning. My name is Nicholas Gill.
I'm the co-founder and director of Marketing at Bitter Pops,
uh, which has been in business on Lincoln
Avenue for nine years.
In this time, the Bitter Pops team has benefited
tremendously from the SSA 20 seven's commitment
to beautification through litter abatement
and landscaping, which has helped us keep our area clean
and green, and has helped us
and has helped enable our business to grow and thrive.
The SSA maintains over a hundred planters on Lincoln Avenue
alone, including several on Lincoln
and Paul, where Bitter Pops is located.
These well-maintained plant planters create a beautiful
ambiance for our patrons at Bitter Pops,
especially in our dine-in patio to gaze
and enjoy it as they enjoy their food and drinks.
Additionally, the sidewalks outside
of our business remain clean 24 7 thanks
to the SSA investment and litter pickup
and expansion of trash collection,
which creates a pleasant atmosphere
for potential pat patrons entering Lincoln Avenue,
particularly from the Paul line of Brown Line Stop,
which exits across the street from Bitter Pops
around Pride Month and Holli the holiday season.
The SSA investment in streetscape holiday decor enhances
bitter pops own investment, creating a vibrant sense
of place overall.
The SSA investments in beautifying the streetscape
of Lincoln Avenue and
beyond enhances our opportunity as a business.
Thank you. Good morning.
My name's Thomas Penry. That's spelled T-H-O-M-A-S.
Pendry is P-E-N-D-R-E-Y. So good morning again.
I'm the owner of Ora Bar,
which is a family owned business on Southport Avenue,
and we are a custom fragrance and candle making experience.
We've been based, our business has been based in opened
since in, um, 2000, just five years ago in, um, 2000
during the Pandemic.
I'm also a resident of Paulina Street
within Lakeview as well.
I would like to testify on behalf of the viability of SSA 27
with an example of the low line,
a historic placemaking project unique to Lakeview,
which utilizes space underneath the El tracks
between Southport and Paulina Brown line stations.
As a resident and business owner, I am grateful
to the experience, the low line firsthand each
and every day, going back
and forth to our studio on Southport as part
of this project, which is a collaboration
between the C-T-A-S-S-A 27,
the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
and Friends of Lakeview.
The SSA funded the creation of the Southport Plaza
of the Low Line in 2017,
which transformed this space from a dirt mound.
Imagine a dirt mound into an accessible public space.
The Southport Lowline Plaza has allowed
for the establishment of an abundant
of beloved community events
and draw foot traffic to the Westlake view area, such
as the Lowline Farmer's Market for the last 13 years
and pop-up, uh, for pups as well
as international pop down the last three
years and many, many more.
All of which utilize the SSA funds either directly
or via the SSA's community event.
And PACEMAKING grants.
These events frequently draw foot traffic
to our neighborhood, and this enhances the vibrancy
and the community engagement while making our neighborhood
an attractive place to call home, a place
to work, and a great place
To live. Yeah.
Um, alderman Waga spec.
I'd like the chair would like to recognize Alderman Waga
spec to give some final comments here.
Thank you, chairman. Uh, I just wanted to
reiterate my support.
Um, I did submit a letter and, uh, it should be on file,
but I think everybody
that was in support here today had some great things
to say about the SSA from the Girl in the city mural.
Um, we've had a couple other murals go up lately.
Um, the way finding updates, the holiday events
that bring residents
and businesses together to support the local businesses,
and then just the art
and cultural aspect of it that, um, uh,
creates more attraction to the neighborhood.
Uh, the cleanliness is, um, definitely above par for,
you know, um, what they spend the money on.
So I just want to reiterate my support, um,
and have a letter on file and thank you.
Thank you. Ultimate Beck.
Um, committee will also recognize Vice Chair Mosley
for the purposes of quorum.
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing
and the proposed changes to the original area.
The original special services, authorization of services,
tax and annual rate of 0.25%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the original levy period
and the levy of the services tax for the provision
of the special services in the area for a period through in,
in including tax year 2039.
Let the record reflect
that the public hearing on this matter was concluded at
11:07 PM um, strike that.
11:07 AM October 14th, 2025.
That concludes this public hearing.
Just one more and then you just read all the stuff. Okay.
Lemme go get, uh, more of a Yep, yep.
Yeah, we're just gonna start the quorum.
Another meeting. Yes.
Yes, sir. Thank you. That
As Peter.
Okay. That the, was that the crazy
I just talking Don't
you know what guys, uh, the
and the thing, it's already opening you, it one at time.
Why f*****g hit everybody the face at once?
So here, I told her, I said things like this.
11 on five did this.
Maybe a Project Experie created, she got married.
Joe Dun was part
Of, but there was,
yeah, so now they're just,
Yeah. And then track on
My,
So I was like, wow, that's so silly.
That's
Manco. If you want, uh,
if you go to the 11 0 5 1,
it's already open, so you can like log,
you can present if you need to go somewhere else
and at least we can already check it.
Moley, we need cruise.
1, 2, 3, 6, 7.
We need two. Yeah. Cruise and Howorth.
Uh, is it the 1105 or cruise the spot on cruise.
And we good.
Um, I can get the,
and emailed me just expressing, you know, like
that record.
See, go back to the, uh, so you gotta go get out that, uh,
click back because we're at the 11 0 5 1.
So you have to go to the 1105.
There you go. Later that will
no man
stop by.
And
the expansion,
if it went away without any action or the new or good,
You need anything from us, you have
Christian from my team.
We can provide you the, our written, uh,
our written notes. Okay. So that we
Can Awesome.
Well this one is exhibit one for the
Yes.
Exhibit one for that one as well. Right.
And that'll be the Yes. Yes.
So the now you
Exactly.
Viega Gil. Yep. Cool. Thank you.
So I went to the,
to the 11 0 5 1. I can come. Okay.
Hold on. No, we'll get going right quick.
Good morning. Our final order
of business is a hearing on SSA number 72,
the Village Chicago Avenue Cultural Corridor.
We'll now have a roll call to establish quorum.
Please use the iPads
provided to, to you and mark yourself present.
Note that your present response will be deemed a yes vote.
And when, when this quorum calls used as a reference.
Vote for later. Mr.
Benegas, please open the, the vote on your iPad.
It will be the 11 11 0 5, uh, am meeting.
Alright, uh, Mr.
Uh, Benegas, if you can call ahead
and call the role, uh, to verify folks are here.
Al Alderman? Yes. Alderwoman Cruz. Here.
Alderman Cardona Here?
Yes. Second. No, no, it's not that.
I'm trying to confirm who else. Alderman Riley.
We need one more. Oh. Uh, with Alderman Riley being present.
Uh, chairman Viegas, we have a quorum.
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.
Alderwoman EZ and Lee have requested
to participate in today's meeting remotely under Rule 59.
May I get a motion to allow them to participate remotely?
Vice Chair Mosley motion to allow Alderwoman EZ
and Lee to participate remotely.
All those in favor, please say aye.
Any opposed, say nay in the opinion chair. The ayes have it.
All the persons Lee Anth are permitted
to participate remotely today.
They'll be marked as present on the quorum call.
Oops. At this time I will have,
uh, vice Chair Mosley, uh, assume the chair
to conclude per, strike that to, um,
to go ahead and, uh, do the meeting right now.
So with that Vice Chair Moseley.
Thank you, chair. Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
This meeting will come to order
at 11:14 AM Let the record reflect this is a public hearing
that is being held pursuant to the requirements of the state
of Illinois special service area tax law 35
ILCS 2 0 0 slash 27 dash five,
uh, as amended from time to time,
which I will call the special service Area Tax law,
and the section 27 dash 35
of the Special Service Area Tax Law.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on September 26th, 2025
in the Chicago Tribune, a newspaper
of general circulation within the City of Chicago.
Notice was additionally mailed to the people.
And accordingly, or in according to the schedule required
by applicable law, let the reporter mark the notice
as committee exhibits number one for identification
Motion.
Uh, no, You just read it
and include a copy of the notice in this record.
Whereas on December 14th, 2026, the city council,
the city Council of the City of Chicago,
the city enact in an ordinance which was published in the
Journal of Proceedings of the City Council, the journal
for such dates at pages 3 9 2 8 1
through 3 9 2 9 4,
the initial ordinance in which established an area known
and designated as City
of Chicago Special Service area number 72, the area,
and authorized the levy of an annual tax
for the period beginning in 2016 through
and including 2025, the initial levy period, not
to exceed an annual rate of 1.75%
of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property.
Therein the tax services tax
to provide certain special services in and for the area.
In addition to the services provided by
and to the city, generally the initial special services,
this is a hearing to consider three things.
One, authorize certain special services in the area
distinct from the initial special services.
The special services. Two authorize a levy
of service tax at an annual rate, not to exceed 1.7%
of the equalized assess value
of the taxable property within the area.
And three, authorize the exemption, uh, extension
of the time period for which the levy
of the tax services is authorized within the area
for the initial period levy period
to a period from year 2025 through
and including tax year 2039, the levy period.
The approximate street location
of the area consists approximately of the area on both sides
of West Chicago Avenue, between Central Avenue on the West
and Kilpatrick Avenue on the east,
and along both sides of Cicero Avenue.
Between Ri Rice Street on the north
and Ohio Street, 2025, uh,
and Ohio Street on the South.
The proposed special service says now to be
provided within the area, include
but are not limited to customer attraction, public way,
aesthetics, sustainability,
and public place enhancements,
economic slash 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 of the proceedings of the proposed special
of the services tax are anticipated to be used
by an entity other than the city of Chicago, to,
to provide the special services to the area,
which such entities shall be a service provider pursuant
to a service contract each
as defined in the special service area tax law.
These special services will be in addition to services
provided to and by the city of Chicago.
Generally the special,
the special tax under consideration will not exceed the
annual sum of 1.75% of the equalized assess value
of the taxable property within the area.
The tax, the services tax would be extended
through the levy period
and would be authorized to be levied annually.
The services tax will be in addition to all other taxes
provided by law and would be levied pursuant
to the provisions of the property tax code 35 ILCS
2 0 0 slash one dash one, et cetera,
as amended from time to time if anyone wishes
to submit written comments on the proposed changes
to the initial services,
the proposed service tax at an annual rate of 1.75%
of the authorized, 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 a period through
and including tax year 2039.
Please submit these comments to the sergeant at arms
so the comments can be made part of the public record.
Is there anyone who wishes
to submit written comments or objections?
Hearing that we have none, I'll continue on. No, no.
Just kidding. Is there a statement from the alderman in this
area, seeing the ALT is not present?
I'll continue on. Is there a statement from the Department
of Planning and Development?
Yes. Yes. Seeing
Question Seeing.
Deputy Commissioner Mark Rosin, the floor is yours.
Thank you. Good morning, Mr.
Vice Chair and members of the committee for the record.
My name is Mark Rosin,
an assistant commissioner in the Department of Planning
and Development, SSA number 72,
located in the Austin community in the 28th and 37th Wards.
Alder, alders, Irvin
and Mitts have expressed their
support for the extension of this.
S-S-A-D-P-D is requesting a 15 year term extension
of SSA number 72 for a term of 15 years
with a levied rate cap of 1.75%, two community meetings
and a mailing to all pins.
Um, we're conducted to inform SSA property owners
of the proposed SSA with the opportunity
to provide their feedback.
Our department has reviewed the application documents
submitted by the sponsor, the West Side Health Authority
and find them acceptable.
The proposed budget for 2026 is
$301,663 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 number 72 commission is also recommending the West
Side Health Authority as the serv SSA service
provider for 2026.
This organization has successfully managed SSA 72 since its
inception in 2017.
Representatives from the sponsor organization are here today
to provide additional details
and comments regarding the proposed extension
of SSA number 72.
We ask for the committee's favorable support
of approving the SSA term extension.
Thank you. Yeah. To minister.
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 changes
to the initial special services,
the proposed special tax at an annual rate of 1.75%,
or the authorization of the extension
of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the services taxed for the provision
of the special services in the area for a period through
and including tax year 2039.
Please communicate with the sergeant at ARM so
that you may have an opportunity to speak.
I have several witness slips in my hand
and would ask that the first three speakers please kindly
make yourself available at the mic in the back.
Um, first up will be Crystal Cows, followed
by Little Jennings
and Crystal Dyer.
If you three could line up at the back, uh, with the mic
and you will have two minutes per
speaker to share your comments.
Spell out their name, first and last name,
and would you also for the record?
Sure. Record Mr. Cows. Is that Mr. Cows or Crystal?
Crystal, thank you so much.
Before you belie
before you begin, would you please spell your
name for the record?
Crystal Kyles, C-H-R-Y-S-T-A-L.
Crystal Kyles is the last name. K-Y-L-E-S.
Thank you. You may proceed. Okay.
Okay. I'm speaking on behalf
of the West Side Health Authority as our service provider.
And I can attest for the past 12 years
that I've been working with them,
that they have truly been instrumental in doing some
wonderful things in the corridor area.
One of the things they have is the pop court
and the streets in front of my business.
I don't have to shovel anymore.
They help keep it clean, do a lot of great things
to help beautify our area and our block.
They help the neighborhood with commerce
and foot traffic to our businesses, all
of their other organizations.
They help to make sure that people come
and know about the businesses that are on our corridor.
As a property owner on Chicago Avenue, I am pleased to say
with efforts to help bring new businesses,
they are doing a fantastic job with that to bring services
to the Chicago Avenue Corridor.
For instance, they were one of the developers
of the 40 Acres Fresh Market grocery store,
which we don't have a grocery store now we do.
That sits a little bit outside of our SSS 72 area.
But West Side Health Authority was great in that venture
that made sure that this, um, community partner was able
to come in and help
to bring us a grocery store into our community.
Some other identifying missing amenities that they helped.
Now we have a wonderful barbecue spot
where you can sit down and come and eat.
We have a grocery store now that's in walking proximity
that's close by.
That's beautiful. That's neat and clean.
We have a new healthcare facility that's coming in
and we have a wonderful, wonderful housing projects
that's gonna be opening up this sometime this month.
It's, uh, have 16 apartments. They have two bedrooms.
Have, uh, uh, one that has a 1 1 4 bedroom apartments
and just beautiful with all kind of appliances.
Beautiful apartment that represents our community.
I can also attest to the fencing for the, um,
abandoned lots that they did.
They put some beautiful murals on there representing peace
to togetherness, unity, all kind of holiday decorations.
Just a lot of things that they do.
Thank you, Ms. Thank you Ms. Cows.
I want to take a moment to recognize Chair Greg Mitchell
from the Seventh Ward
and also as a point of privilege, if there is no objection,
allow Malcolm Crawford to be the next speaker.
Mr. Crawford, please state, uh, the correct spelling
of your first and last name
and you may proceed with your comments.
My name is Malcolm Crawford, M-A-L-C-O-L-M Crawford,
C-R-A-W-F-O-R-D.
I am the owner of Sankofa Cultural Arts Center,
corridor Manager for Chicago Avenue, as well as the director
of Austin's African American Business Network
and Association and Association on Chicago Avenue
and one of the proud founders of Soul City.
And so I would just like to say that I am in full support
of the SSA and West Side Health Authority
and what they've been able to accomplish.
Uh, we have been working diligently, the Austin Power 5K,
which happens on Chicago Avenue, we have partnered greatly
with, and they were able to help us
where we had over a thousand people on Chicago
Avenue this year.
Uh, running the, uh, soul City Blues Fest,
which Mark Roen would remember, uh, was a, was a great hit
that they also helped out with as well as many other events
that we've been able to partner and get done.
So we are in full support, uh,
with the businesses on Chicago Avenue for this SSA.
Thank you, Mr. Crawford. Next up is Little Jennings.
Good morning. Good morning.
Would you begin by just giving the correct spelling
of your name, first and last name,
Correct. Spelling is
Lil LIL, last name Jennings,
J-E-N-N-I-N-G-S.
I simply came to this hearing today
to find out more about the project for SSA 72.
I am a resident of the area as well as a business owner,
and I'm just here to gather information regarding
beautifying my community.
I am for that. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Jennings.
Next up I'll call the three speakers.
I have Crystal Dyer, George Blakemore,
and the Justin Hill.
If you three could line up at the mic
and Ms. Dyer, if you will begin
by giving the correct spelling of your first and last name.
You may proceed with your comments after.
Um, good morning everyone.
My name is Crystal Dyer, C-R-Y-S-T-A-L-D,
like Delta, YER.
And, uh, I am a business owner, uh, within the SSA,
uh, 72.
And, uh, I have two programs, uh, Chicago,
Austin Youth Travel Adventures, which is a nonprofit
and also, uh, gone Again, traveling Tours.
I can say living in the Austin area, which I have
for over 30 years, and also being
and founding my businesses in the Austin area.
Uh, the SSA is one of the best things that has come
to the Austin community in a long time.
And, uh, I fully support it.
I, the beautification is setting us, uh,
apart at this point, you know, to make everyone that comes
through, uh, that SSA area with the beautiful artwork
and the, uh, the greenery, you know, that, you know,
we are a vibrant community.
And so, uh, with what that health authorities, uh, support
and Alderman Emma Mitts, um, that has brought, uh,
fabulous festivals, events for the community,
for the residents, uh, showing, uh, residents that, uh,
the city and the SSA do care about us
because in some cases, in, you know, the past
that has not been visible.
And so I just, uh, wanna say I see the growth.
I see more businesses coming in, which is vital
to my business and everyone else's business.
Uh, and then the foot traffic, the cleanliness, uh,
of the area now, so people can actually, actually, uh,
it can become a walkable, uh, community.
And I thank you very much.
Thank you, Ms. Dyer.
Next up we have Mr. George Blakemore. Mr.
Blakemore, would you begin by spelling your name?
L-A-K-E-M-O-R-E, Blakemore. The first name is George.
Now sitting and listening to this, uh, number one,
you sit, you say, where are the alt ones, Mitch
and Irving, why they're not present to, uh,
when were those meetings held?
Now those meetings that, that neighborhood is, is,
is not the Gold Coast.
It's high crime there, and it's being gentrified there.
Hispanics are moving in there.
And Emma, Mitch told me she's the last black Altman, uh,
that would be, uh, uh, elected.
The last one, blacks are, are, are raising around,
like they're, they overcoming something.
This is a holocaust. It's the end illegal immigrants.
And and next ones are moving in
and you are moving, they moving you out.
Emma, Mitch told me she's the last black Altman
of K town in that area.
She told me that.
And so this, when, listen,
listen here, you ladies
and gentlemen, you know your neighborhood, the high crime
black on black crime and,
and business, these 5 0 1 C3, uh, uh,
you getting grant money, that's the way you exist.
Grant money. So you pay to come up here
and spit in this mic, like something is great
that's happening out there.
Something is evil out there.
Something is un-American out there.
So, uh, uh, uh, switching around like you, somebody look, go
to that ghetto, both of them and see the crime.
See the bacon lock, see the on development. Just look.
So you all look very nice and you speak very nice
and eloquent, but, but, but it's not truthful.
You are doing it. Great.
Thank you Mr. Blake Moore. Next up we have Justin Hill.
Justin Hill, would you please come to the mic
and spell your name, followed by your comments.
Thank you so much. My name is Justin Hill,
J-U-S-T-I-N-H-I-L-L.
I am the service.
I'm, I work with the service
provider, west Side Health Authority.
And I just wanted to thank our community members
and our business owners and leaders
and our community come out and come out
and support the work that we've been doing.
If you were to look over the teen years, since 2015
or 2016 when the SSA started, there's been a great wave
of development along that corridor
and there's still things that are happening, right?
And so the way in which we talk about it is about
beautifying the neighborhood
so people can have a better quality of life.
Here in Chicago, you know that
between whichever zip code you lived, it could give you 10
to seven years added to your life
or take away, taken from your life.
And so one of the ways in which we've been helping
as service providers
and as an organization is really
imagining what could be there.
So we've partnered with business owners to bring them
to the community to look at immunities.
And so when, when Pastor Kyles talks about the, the
wrapping up of vacant lots and putting up beautiful fences
and putting up murals, it's a way
to reclaim the neighborhood.
And we do so in a historical way.
We make sure that those murals tie into the
history of that neighborhood.
In addition to that, we have been working to try
to find the kinds
of missing amenities like healthcare systems
and thinking about grocery stores.
Thank you so much for mentioning that as well.
All the different things that make a community livable,
walkable, we've been trying to make happen.
And the SSA is just one tool in the tool shed that we get to
use those resources, those public resources
to give back to the property owners.
And so we've been really working hard
to bring them to the table.
And so I'm really happy and I just wanted to say thank you
so much for coming and I'm
looking forward to meeting you, Ms.
Lily, uh, because I,
I welcome new business owners and I would love to talk with you.
So thank you guys.
Thank you Mr. Hill.
Ladies and gentlemen,
this concludes the public hearing on the proposed changes
to the initial special service says the proposed special tax
at an annual rate of 1.75%
and the authorization of the extension
of the initial levy period
and of the levy of the service tax for the provision
of the special services in the area for a period through
and including tax year 2039, let the record reflect
that the public hearing on this matter was concluded at
11:34 AM October 14th, 2025.
That concludes this public hearing.
Since there is no further business, may I have a motion
to adjourn by the same roll call vote that was applied
to determine, determine quo.
So moved by Alderwoman Gutierrez, uh, hearing no objections,
so ordered the meeting of the committee on economic capital
and technology development is adjourned.
Thank you everyone.