Portraits of Resilience mural series
created by Chantala Kommanivanh
located at 3142 W Lawrence Ave
DEAR PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESS OWNERS, AND RESIDENTS:
The Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area (SSA #60) program is an efficient community development resource for public way beautification and small business support. SSA #60 is locally funded and locally governed by local taxpayers and community members who guide programs that support our small, family-owned businesses and improve the quality of life for our neighborhoods. Included in this annual report are our 2021 Performance Highlights.
After years of public input from residents and businesses, we are excited to finally bring SSA #60 services and resources further along Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road! This shared accomplishment is possible through your enthusiastic support. Together, we look forward to working with you, the public, and the sole service provider North River Commission in strengthening our small business community. We ask you to continue to spend your dollars as locally as possible. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022!
Keep informed on our work; sign up for our weekly email updates at bit.ly/newsNRC.
Sincerely,
Mark Aistrope
Chair, Special Service Area #60
Albany Park Flower Mural
created by Natalia Virafuentes
located at 4650 N Kedzie Ave
Special Service Areas (SSA) are locally-led and locally funded business districts that fund expanded services, programs, and public-way improvements.
SSA-funded projects include:
- Landscaping and Beautification
- Storefront Improvement Rebates for businesses & property owners
- District Marketing and Advertising
- Business Retention and Attraction
- Litter Abatement and Snow Removal
- Special Events and Promotional Activities
- Security Enhancements
Where is SSA #60?
The Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area (SSA #60) is
located in the 33rd and 35th Wards. The SSA boundaries are below;
view the map at bit.ly/SSA60Boundary
LAWRENCE AVE: Chicago River to Pulaski Ave
MONTROSE AVE: Chicago River to Central Park Ave
IRVING PARK RD: California Ave to Central Park Ave
KEDZIE AVE: Ainslie St to Irving Park Rd
KIMBALL AVE: Lawrence Ave to Leland Ave
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, and North Park 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.
Seasonal landscaping throughout the year
Sidewalk snow removal when it snows more than two inches
THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM has been renewed for 2022 and will build on its success over the last seven years. Building owners and business tenants located in the SSA are eligible to apply for a 50% grant to make exterior improvements to their properties. The maximum grant for a single storefront is $7,500. Renovations that include two or more storefronts in one building can receive up to $15,000.
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 of each month until all facade funds are committed to approved projects. The last day to submit your application is September 30, 2022.
Download the application and learn more about the program and eligible improvements such as tuckpointing, signage, awnings, windows, doors, cameras, paint, and lighting: bit.ly/facadeprogram
Taqueria San Juanito Before & After
4714 N Kedzie Ave received a 2021
Storefront Improvement Rebate
2021 marked a comeback for special events that bring residents, businesses, and visitors together while celebrating our neighborhood diversity. SSA#60sponsors various district events that bring joy, excitement, awareness, and customer attraction to Albany Park and Irving Park.
We are excited to bring back these events and more. We hope that you will bring your friends, family, and neighbors along for the experiences and continue celebrating #GlobalRootsLocalHeart!
In 2022, save the dates for:
2021 Flavors of Albany Park
Mariachi Sirenas at Lot Jams
Mural by Ryan Tova Katz
located at 3706 W Lawrence Ave
COMMISSIONERS:
Mark Aistrope – Chair: Meeting Tomorrow
Kareeshma Ali – Vice Chair: Surge Coffee Bar + Billiards
Saima Causevic – Treasurer: North Side Realty
Stephanie Fishel – Secretary: The Residents of Irving Park
Andrew Levin: Bass Management
David Maletin: Maletin Management
Daniella Cornue: Le Village Cowork
Henrik Christensen: Resident
NORTH RIVER COMMISSION
3403 WEST LAWRENCE AVENUE,
SUITE 201
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60625