2020 Annual Report - North River Commission

One of the SSA #60's most important programs is the Facade Improvement Program. Le Village Cowork was a recipient of this program in 2019. This grant provides business and property owners with a 50% rebate to help cover the costs of these storefront beautification improvements.

SSA #60's funds have been allocated to fund public art projects such as the 'Portraits of Resilience' art murals at Lindo Michoacán located at 3142 W Lawrence Ave.

SSA #60's funds provide snow removal services to keep our sidewalks and pathways safe for pedestrian travel.

SSA-funded improvements include landscaping, district marketing, and beautification of our public way through art, street amenities, and much more.

SPECIAL SERVICE AREAS (SSA) are locally-led business districts that fund
expanded services and programs through a small localized property tax levy.
The small additional taxes are retained in the district and reinvested into
improvements. SSA-funded projects include: litter and snow removal; landscaping
and beautification; neighborhood marketing and advertising; business retention
and attraction; special events and promotional activities; security enhancements;
and storefront improvement grants for businesses and property owners

Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area #60 boundaries are below; view
the map at bit.ly/ssa60map. SSA#60 is located in both the 33rd and 35th Wards

2900-3399 W. LAWRENCE AVE:

Chicago River to Kimball

2650-3559 W. MONTROSE AVE:

Chicago River to Central Park

3000-3259 W. IRVING PARK RD:

Sacramento to Spaulding

4000-4901 N. KEDZIE AVE:

Irving Park to Ainslie

As the service provider for SSA#60, North River Commission is committed to
providing these economic development services and initiatives to foster a vibrant,
inviting, and safe community for all.

COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

SINCE MARCH 2020, SSA#60 in collaboration with North River Commission, the
Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Lawrence Avenue Development
Corporation has provided critical resources to small businesses and property
owners. The SSA has proven to be a reliable and resilient community resource,
capable of rising to the moment and pivoting funds towards areas of need and
best use.
The SSA deployed its resources to ensure hundreds of businesses received over
a million dollars in aid, new grant programs were established to expand
outdoor dining, and public art and district banners were installed to promote
the community's identity and branding.
Three websites were developed to promote business pandemic resources and
encourage the community to support small businesses. The October COVID-19
Response Report was created for added transparency to show how funds were
directed during the pandemic.

Download and read the full COVID-19 Response Report at:

bit.ly/SSA60CovidReport

This important program has been renewed for 2021 and will build on its success over the last 6 years. Building owners and business tenants who are located in the SSA boundaries that plan to make at least $500 of exterior improvements can apply for this 50% grant. The maximum grant per storefront is $7,500 and for one building where renovations include two or more storefronts, the maximum grant is $15,000. The Storefront Improvement Program fulfills the SSA’s purpose to “support a vibrant, safe, clean, beautiful and welcoming commercial district, filled with restaurants, attractive retail and services, entertainment and cultural options that meet the needs of the local residents and attract visitors.” You are encouraged to reach out to us for guidance as you plan your project and submit a complete application; approval is required before work can begin. Applications are due on the last day ofeach month. Applications will be acceptedon a rolling basis until all facade funds are committed to approved projects.

Download the application and learn more about the program and eligible improvements such as tuckpointing, signage, awnings, windows, doors, cameras, paint, and lighting:

http://bit.ly/facadeprogram

North River Commission

North River Commission (NRC) is the service provider of
the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area #60.
North River Commission is the nonprofit community and
economic development agency for the northwest side of
Chicago, from the Chicago River to Cicero and Addison to
Devon. Founded in 1962 by concerned residents and
neighborhood institutions, North River Commission unites hundreds of civic
associations, businesses, schools, institutions, and places of worship.
NRC serves the community areas and neighborhoods within Albany Park,
Irving Park, North Park, Petersen Park, and Mayfair to “improve the quality
of life in our communities by developing affordable housing, quality
education, arts & cultural endeavors, open spaces, environmental
sustainability, and thriving neighborhood businesses.”
As a complement to the work and investment
of the Special Service Area, North River
Commission also operates the Albany Park
Chamber of Commerce and the Lawrence
Avenue Development Corporation to grow thriving businesses in Albany
Park, Irving Park, North Park, Peterson Park and Mayfair business districts.