The Special Service Area #5 strives to enhance the Business Environment in the South Chicago Commercial District. The goal is to create a safe, clean and attractive district where businesses wish to stay and grow and attract new businesses in the community. Working directly with those merchants that directly pay the taxes that support the SSA, the local Aldermen, and SSA5 Board of Commissioners to make the district a viable part of the Southeast Chicago Economy.
SSA #5 is managed by Calumet Area Industrial Commission, an economic development organization formed in 1967.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), sole service provider for Commercial Avenue Special Service Area #5 (SSA #5), is seeking proposals from qualified landscaping contractors to design, install, care for, and maintain 21 on-street planters and tree pits along Commercial Avenue from 87th Street to 93rd St/South Chicago Avenue and East 92nd St from Exchange Avenue to South Harbor Avenue
2025 Landscaping & Planter Maintenance RFP
SSA 5 2025 Commissioners Meeting Dates
2025 Event Committee Meetings
SSA 5 2024 Commissioners Meeting Dates
January 25, 2024: Agenda Minutes
February 22, 2024: Agenda Minutes
March 28, 2024: Agenda Minutes
April 25, 2024: Agenda Minutes
May 23, 2024: Agenda Minutes
June 27, 2024: Agenda Minutes
July 6, 2024: Agenda Minutes
August 22, 2024: Agenda Minutes
September 26, 2024: Agenda Minutes
October 24, 2024: Agenda Minutes
November 20, 2024: Agenda Minutes Recording
December 19, 2024: Agenda Minutes Recording
SSA 5 Commissioners
SSA #5 is overseen by a group of nine volunteer SSA Commissioners. These Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago and approved by the City Council. Once appointed, the Commissioners can recommend and approve the annual services, budget and Service Provider Agency.
Chairperson
Laurentino Ramirez
Spanish Coalition for Housing
Angela Hurlock
Claretian Associates,Inc./ Casa Kirk,Inc.
Vice-Chairperson
Joseph Chico
Joseph Chico & Associates, P.C.
Commissioners
Alex J. Alemis
Family Dental Care
Dorothy Hudson
Hudson Funeral Homes, Ltd.
Laura Shallow
Formally Royal Bank
Jessica Smith
Plates on Purpose
Jose Chavez
U.S. Bank
SSA #5 Programs
Public Way Maintenance
To help us with neighborhood beautification, the SSA contracts Cleanslate. As a social enterprise of Cara Collective, Cleanslate transforms communities by helping motivated job seekers find work creating cleaner, safer streets.
Facade/Security Rebate
Businesses and property owners in the Commercial Ave SSA who enhance the appearance of the buildings and stores in the corridor are eligible for rebates under the Facade Improvement Rebate Program. This program will maintain the aesthetic appeal of our area through projects ranging from minor ones like installing a new window or sign to major ones like replacing the complete facade.
Businesses and property owners in the Commercial Avenue SSA who enhance the public way-facing area of their buildings with security cameras and exterior lighting can receive a rebate under the Security Enhancement Rebate Program.
The SSA will provide up to $15,000 to two businesses who demonstrate the need and submit an application for Build Out Rebate improvements
Security
Illinois Security Professionals provides security services to SSA #5. Armed security officers patrol the corridor in easily identifiable marked cars and on foot patrol.
Contact us.
Interested in working with SSA #5? Fill out some info and we will be in touch!