What services are being provided for the Clark Street SSA?
An SSA establishment ordinance defines the services that each SSA is authorized to provide. Services are broad enough to not require City Council approval for individual initiatives, but specific enough to assure stakeholders that the SSA is working towards the goals for which it was established. The Clark Street SSA has the following list of authorized services: maintenance and beautification activities; sidewalk cleaning, landscaping, streetscape improvements, and public art displays; coordinated marketing and promotional activities; parking management initiatives, including parking management studies; promotion of businesses within the area, including recruitment and retention of new businesses; security services; financing of storefront facade improvements; strategic planning; monitoring, zoning and building code compliance; and other technical assistance activities to promote commercial and economic development.
Services provided by the Clark Street SSA
- Snow plowing services are provided after a two inch accumulation
- A clean-up crew has been hired to pick up garbage and debris on Clark Street three days a week during the winter months (September - April; Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) and four days a week during the summer months (May - August; Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays)
- Seasonal plantings and streetscape amenities are maintained throughout the SSA area including spring and holiday plantings for hanging baskets and in-ground planters
- Decorations are provided on the street poles for the holidays
- Power washing of the sidewalks is done annually
- The Clark by the Park logo was developed
Future plans for the Clark Street SSA
With the help of information collected during the branding process, the Clark Street SSA coordinated and is beginning to implement a marketing campaign aimed at reducing storefront vacancies and informing Chicago residents of the variety of shopping and dining opportunities available on Clark Street. This plan includes:
- Two annual promotional events
- Co-operative advertising opportunities
- Creation and distribution of an area walking map
- Creation and distribution of materials designed to entice new businesses to Clark Street
- Installation of street pole banners identifying the neighborhood
How can property owners and business owners determine what amenities and services they want?
The list of authorized services for the Clark Street SSA was determined as a result of a year long feasibility and planning effort led by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. This study included meetings with Alderman Vi Daley and Clark Street business and property owners. After a transparent recruitment and appointment process, nine commissioners were selected to lead the Clark Street SSA and charged with determining an agenda of action items from the list of authorized services. As members of the commission are members of the community, they are charged with representing the interests of the community. In addition, all commission meetings are subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act and members of the community are welcome to attend.
What is the benefit to condominium owners?
All property owners, regardless of land use, will benefit from a cleaner and more visually appealing public way, including shoveled sidewalks and specific programs that address traffic issues.
