Milwaukee Avenue SSA Study
– Between Armitage and Belmont –
The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce initiated this study to explore whether additional neighborhood support services and business resources are needed along Milwaukee Avenue—and if so, what types and where.
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If you’re interested in supporting the SSA please email Nilda at the Chamber
What Are Your Priorities for Milwaukee Avenue?
Share your thoughts on corridor needs and priorities by taking the Survey.
Key questions we’ll be exploring include:
How can we best support small and long-standing businesses along Milwaukee Avenue?
How can we celebrate Logan Square’s culture and history?
What tools can help address vacancies and rising rents?
How can we improve the cleanliness and greenery of the corridor, plazas, and gardens?
These are just a few of the critical topics we’ll dive into as part of the Milwaukee Avenue SSA Study. The Chamber, along with several long-standing organizations and passionate volunteers, advocate for the neighborhood. However, with limited resources and growing needs along Milwaukee Avenue, it’s essential to gather more input. We are engaging with local stakeholders and conducting a survey to better understand these issues and needs. Based on feedback and support, we’ll determine a budget and submit an SSA application to the City.
What have we heard so far?
“Clean-Up the Garbage”
“There is a lot of trash that blows around. I’d like to see it be a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.”
“Maintain the Square”
“Landscaping assistance and maintenance at the Square would go a long way. The big trash bins are unsightly, too.”
“Fill the Empty Tree Pits”
“There are a lot of sidewalk tree pits along Milwaukee Avenue that are empty. Let’s fill them in trees, please.”
“Sidewalk Snow Plowing”
“I don’t always get to my business first thing in the morning because it opens later; sidewalk snow plowing would be nice.”
“More Food and Music Events”
“The beauty is in bringing people together, food and music are universal.”
“Better Lighting”
“It gets really dark around my business at night, lighting would be great to make it feel welcoming and safer.”
FAQ
What is the value added and impacts of a SSA?
A Special Service Area (SSA) is a tool to pool and focus funds across a business district to provide a desired set of services. From the basics of increased litter removal, tree care, small business rebates, and sidewalk pressure washing… to special programming, events and art that celebrates the varied cultures and small businesses along Milwaukee Avenue. Please visit the FAQ page for a detailed overview of impacts and case studies.
How can a SSA bring people together to achieve common goals?
Businesses, residents, and organizations along Milwaukee Avenue—stretching from Logan Square to Avondale—share a deep passion for the area and its distinct needs. There is a strong interest in how the SSA can help prevent the displacement of long-standing businesses. The SSA Commission can serve as a platform to unite different perspectives and work towards a common vision.
What types of services do SSAs provide?
SSAs provide a wide range of services based on local needs and concerns. These services are in addition to those provided by the City and must be concentrated within the SSA boundaries. Common service categories include but are not limited to: Small Business Marketing, Facade and Security Camera Rebates, Corridor Maintenance, Trash Pick-Up and Beautification, Tree Installations and Local Landscaping, Cultural Art, Events and Programming, Community Grants, and Sidewalk Snow Plowing.
The City of Chicago has over 50 SSAs; above are photo examples of how other SSAs have applied funds.
Milwaukee Ave SSA 