CLMA at Work: Programs & Services
Façade Incentive Program
Local merchants in need of a facelift are about to get some help from the Central Lakeview Façade Incentive Program. Central Lakeview Merchants Association, using Funding from the Special Service Area (SSA) #17, will utilize the program to help small business owners improve the physical appearance of their storefronts.
Owners and tenants with street-level commercial or industrial space within the SSA #17 boundaries may apply. Qualified merchants may be eligible for a rebate of up to $5,000 to cover certain pre-approved project costs.
Applications must be completed and approved before the start of any construction. Click here to obtain an application!
Facade Incentive Program Quick Facts:
- Any merchants within SSA #17 boundaries with street-level commercial or industrial space are eligible to apply
- Eligible improvements include: façade renovation, storefront windows and signs, awnings and exterior lighting
- Before starting construction, merchants must submit completed application and a minimum of two cost estimates for approval
- All construction must meet local zoning codes and comply with all state and federal laws
- All aspects of the improvement must be approved by the CLMA Façade Committee before construction begins
Click here to obtain an application and complete program guidelines. Contact us at 773.665.2100 or clma@mylakeview.com with any questions!
Vacant Property Matrix
In an effort to keep Central Lakeview’s business corridors productive, thriving, and vital Central Lakeview Merchants Association produces a quarterly Vacant Property Matrix. Every three months CLMA surveys the streets of Central Lakeview (Diversey north to Irving Park Road, Racine east to Halsted) and comprises a listing of all commercial properties available for lease or sale. Click here to view our most recent Vacant Property Matrix (hyperlink to most recent VPM) or contact us at clma@mylakeview.com to have one sent to you!
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Ceremonies
Although usually reserved for grand openings, ribbon cuttings are also used to celebrate company achievements and benchmark anniversaries. Central Lakeview Merchants Association is happy to assist members with the planning, promoting, and attendance of your company’s ribbon cutting ceremony or grand opening! Simply contact CLMA Executive Director Gus Isacson at 773.665.2100 or clma@mylakeview.com to begin scheduling your special event!
Sidewalk Cleaning Program
CLMA street cleaning crews continue to tidy up the Central Lake View in two-member teams several days each week. The workers earn hourly wages sweeping up trash and picking up loose debris along Central Lakeview’s sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. They also remove trash from sidewalk planters and empty trash cans. Street cleaning goes from Halsted west to Racine, and Diversy north to Grace. So that the community does not mistake them for City of Chicago employees, the crew wears bright yellow/lime green vests bearing the new CLMA logo….so make sure to say “Hello” when you see them out in the neighborhood!
Snow Removal Program
Now, when that pesky white stuff, scientifically known as snow, falls from the sky onto Central Lakeview, an ambitious crew of folks from Patch Landscaping Services will be right there to shovel it away it. All store fronts located along Belmont, from Halsted to Racine, along Clark from Halsted to Grace, and along Sheffield from Diversey to Waveland will receive this service. The crew will also distribute salt as part of the regimen. Until recently, cleaning crews only removed snow from crucial areas like fire hydrants, bus stops and major intersections.
These services are courtesy of Special Service Area #17. The Special Service Area program is a mechanism for contiguous industrial, commercial and residential areas to fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy. These enhanced services and programs are in addition to services and programs currently provided through the city. SSA-funded projects could include but are not limited to: security services, area marketing and advertising assistance, promotional activities such as parades and festivals, or any variety of small scale capital improvements which could be supported through a modest property tax levy.
Central Lakeview Merchants Association (CLMA) formed SSA #17 nine years ago to address street cleaning & maintenance, beautification, and many other area promotions. SSA #17 plans to continue providing services well into the future, and will continuously update and improve services to businesses within the SSA boundaries.
Planters & Trash Cans Program
Central Lake View Merchants currently provides 20 large sidewalk planters, and plans to increase that number to 35 planters in time for summer! Fresh plantings are installed four (4) times throughout the growing seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Urban greenscapes such as these not only make the neighborhood look colorful, lush, and inviting, but also help fight air pollution and decrease our carbon footprint. So the next time you’re out shopping in Central Lakeview….stop and smell the flowers!
In an effort to keep Central Lake View beautiful, clean, and safe, CLMA has placed 16 decorative round commercial waste receptacles at some of the busiest intersections. They have a design inspired by elegant and decorative wrought iron of yesteryear, steel mesh detailing, and strong vertical rails that create a charming yet avant-garde effect on our neighborhood streets. And best of all CLMA has crews of street cleaners who keep them emptied and clean several times each week.
Safe Haven Program
Have you walked down the street recently and seen a “Safe Haven” sign in the window of a local business? Did you wonder what it means? “Safe Haven.” It means just that—a “port in the storm” for anyone in an emergency situation.
Who is Helped?
That person could be a lost child, a disoriented senior citizen, an injured individual, or a confused person who needs directions or needs to make a telephone call. Those businesses are safe havens for anyone needing help.
Participating businesses agree to call the police, the fire department, the school district, or any other appropriate agency when they encounter a person in need. All of the necessary telephone numbers and other appropriate resources are provided by the city. It is helpful if someone has CPR training.
A usual response would be for the owner or employee of a business to invite the person inside in order to find out the nature of the problem, and then allow the individual to make a necessary phone call or to make one for that person.
Helpful for Businesses Too!
Being a Safe Haven has advantages for participating businesses, too. It makes the business an integral part of the community and is seen as a caring neighbor. A Safe Haven sign in the window reminds residents of the commitment of the business to the community.
Safe Haven is a program sponsored by the Chicago Police Department, Allstate Insurance, and community residents. Contact Irma Perres at 312.742.1120 for additional information.
