FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7th WARD APPOINTED ALDERMAN M.I.A. AFTER RECORD SNOWSTORM
Barrett & Property Owners Call on Ald. Holmes' To Ensure Snow Removal Services Entitled Through Special Service Area (SSA) Are Delivered
Former Seventh Ward Aldermanic Chief of Staff, and Aldermanic Candidate Keiana Barrett joins together with 7th Ward businesses and property owners, to urge Alderman Natashia Holmes to provide snow removal as outlined in the terms of the SSA agreement to businesses and property owners in the designated district. Businesses on Chicago's 7th Ward on East 75th, 79th Street and Exchange Avenue that had become accustomed to regular snow removal as well as other services designed to make those commercial areas passable, have not been provided snow removal by 7th Ward Special Service Area this week. Days after Super Bowl Sunday's blizzard, many sidewalks in the 7th ward remained unsafe and snow covered.
Special Service Area #49 is a Business Improvement District created by the City of Chicago that is managed by a Commission who hires a Service Provider to provide business-related services. Despite collecting extra taxes from businesses for the sole purpose of providing services designed to make those businesses more attractive to consumers, SSA #49 has done nothing to bolster 7th Ward businesses under Holmes' leadership. And, now it is not even doing basic snow removal.
"We need leadership that is committed to our ward and committed to our businesses and is competent enough to get basic services done for our businesses--particularly when they are paying for it through taxes," said Barrett. “Property owners within the SSA footprint have not received regular communication regarding the status of the SSA and now are having to incur additional costs to ensure their walkways are safe for passage. This is an unfortunate example of taxation without representation. In other areas of the city, SSA’s have proven to stimulate commerce. However due to compromised leadership in the 7th Ward; our businesses are left to dig themselves out of economic pits.”
Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City. SSA-funded projects typically include but are not limited to: public way maintenance and beautification; district marketing and advertising; business retention/attraction, special events and promotional activities; auto and bike transit; security; façade improvements; and other commercial and economic development initiatives. The City contracts with local non-profits, called Service Providers, to manage SSAs. Mayorally-appointed SSA Commissioners for each SSA district oversee and recommend the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency to the City. There are currently 53 active SSAs in Chicago.
Keiana Barrett is committed to building a restored Chicago.
marksallen2800@aol.com
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
Chairman & COO National Black Wall Street Chicago
(Rev. Willie T. Barrow Consumer Education and Consumer Action Project)
Founder/Lead Organizer, Illinois Voter Restoration Civic Education Project
Chief of Staff to National Chairman, National Black Wall Street USA
"And The Ordinary People Said" News Blog, www.chicagonow.com
Chairman, Community Reinvestment Organizing Project
Listed in 2012 Edition Who' Who In Black Chicago
4655 South King Drive, Suite 203
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(Office) 773-268-6900 or direct 773-392-0165
The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "one of Chicago's legendary political activists and one of the best organizers of his generation"
https://theblacklist.net/
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