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Who We Are

Area businesses, property owners, and consumers are surveyed about their vision for the neighborhood and the need for specific services. Key findings, such as the area’s cleanliness, walkability, traffic patterns, public transportation, safety issues, building conditions and vacancy rates, provide the information needed for program development and long-term planning.

Special Service Area #42 was created in partnership with 5th Ward Alderman Leslie Hairston and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce to provide additional services to the business corridors.

Also known as Business Improvement Districts, Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs. These enhanced services and programs are in ADDITION TO those provided by the city. The Mayor appoints commissioners, and the city contracts with local non-profits to help manage and oversee the SSA's annual services and budget. 

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is the proud service provider of SSA #42.  

  • Residents and businesses have a greater sense of safety while working, shopping and living in South Shore

  • A more vibrant and welcoming neighborhood and business district

  • Banners and holiday decorations throughout the year

  • Decals that identify SSA #42 retailers

  • South Shore Summer Festival

    These services make visiting the 71st/Stony Island Corridors a beautiful and safe experience. Area businesses, property owners, and consumers are surveyed about their vision for the neighborhood and the need for specific services. Key findings, such as the area's cleanliness, walkability, traffic patterns, public transportation, safety issues, building conditions and vacancy rates, provide the information needed for program development and long-term planning.

 

The services are funded by a tax levy that is paid by business owners & residents within the boundaries.

 
71st from Kimbark Ave. to South Shore Drive Stony Island 67th to 73rd on the eastside Stony Island 67th to 79th on the westside Map of the SSA #42 Area (PDF)
Our goal is to create a more attractive commercial environment for consumers, residents and business owners by installing planters, more trash receptacles, banners and holiday decorations to create a more vibrant community.
 

SSA #42 will continue to promote local business through enhanced website and social media outreach, shop local initiatives and special events. The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is the service provider of SSA #42 which was established in 2006.

A Special Service Area

known as Business Improvement Districts, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs. These enhanced services and programs are in ADDITION TO those provided from the City.

Beautification

Public Way Asthetics

Creating a more attractive commercial environment for consumers. Residents and business owners by installing planters, more trash receptacles. Banners and holiday decorations to create a more vibrant community.

Security

Extra Safety

Extra Safety Armed security guards are on patrol in the district 3-4 days per week on foot and in easily identifiable vehicles.

Events

Customer Attraction

Annual events such as the South Shore Summer Festival, and Connect South Shore bring attention to the great opportunities for fun to the district.

Economics

Economic Development

SSA#42 continues to promote local businesses through enhanced website and social media outreach, shop-local initiatives and special events.