The Special Service Area (SSA) #29 Commission is
committed to the revitalization and
beautification of West Town

Programs

Long range planning

now that most of the beautification efforts are underway, the SSA has been working with a local district planner to help compile and analyze area statistics and demographics in order to help develop a corridor plan and marketing materials. The plan has recently been completed and programs are currently being developed based on the findings. You can click here to download a summary of the findings. 

Public art

a call for artists has recently been sent to local artists and art organizations. Murals will be installed beneath the viaduct over Chicago Ave near Sangamon Street. Local artists will have a chance to share their visions for the West Town location and a panel of business and property owners will select the best fit for the project.  For more information on the public art program, and to download an application for the mural project, click here or visit the Mural Project page. Applications with examples of previous work were due Monday March 31, 2008.

Street maintenance

Cleanslate provides four days per week of sidewalk and gutter litter pick up along SSA streets. Currently you can see the crews working hard removing litter, emptying artistically created SSA trash receptacles, and surveying local businesses on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Snow removal 

SSA #29 has the snow cleared from SSA sidewalks and crosswalks after each snow fall that accumulates two inches or more. This is a service provided in addition to the snow removal provided by property owners according to the City of Chicago Snow Removal Ordinance.

Landscape maintenance

landscaping is provided bi-weekly April to November on SSA trees, tree pits and public way grass in an effort to improve the health of the environment and add to the appeal of the district.

Facade Improvement Program

the SSA will rebate 50% of eligible façade projects up to $10,000. There is a streamlined process and no application fee. You can download an application on the "Applications" page--now available in English, Spanish and Ukrainian.

Streetscape elements

the SSA has purchased and installed and helps maintain trash receptacles along the SSA boundaries. These receptacles help to reduce the amount of litter on sidewalks and in the streets. Check back soon for details on the next public way improvement.

Decorative banners

promotional street pole banners are now available for local businesses to purchase and help promote themselves and West Town. Please visit the "Applications" page for your application and more information.

Holiday decorations

in an effort to brighten the holidays and provide a festive atmosphere for shoppers, the SSA provides decorations on SSA street light poles. The decorations are installed around the Thanksgiving holiday and are removed in mid-January

Marketing materials

if you own a business on SSA streets, contact us for information on how to have your events included in local advertisements at no cost to you, or become involved with the promotional materials being prepared and distributed throughout the City of Chicago and surrounding areas.

Wireless internet access

a pilot wireless internet (wi-fi) program is underway in a section of the SSA between Throop and Ashland.  The pilot is currently available at no cost to the user. Simply log on and answer a few simple questions. You only have to obtain a username and password once per month. This program will allow business and property owners, as well as visitors, to access wireless internet service. The program will continue to expand until all areas within the SSA district have access to wi-fi.