October 23,2012
Alderman Proco Joe Moreno 1st Ward Alderman City Hall
121 North LaSalle Street Room 300
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Opposition to the reconstitution and expansion of the SSA 57 formerly SSA 29 to the 1800-1900 block of West Grand Avenue, Chicago II60622
Dear Alderman Moreno,
We are writing this letter to you in formal opposition to the proposed reconstitution of and expansion of the SSA 57, formerly known as SSA 29. I understand that the opposition process requires this letter under the 35 ILSC 200 Property Tax Code pursuant in Section 27-35 of the Illinois Property Tax Code, Article 27 Special Service Area.
Here are some reasons why we are opposed to the SSA 57:
We are small business owners and residents who have helped gentrify this neighborhood by maintaining our surroundings, and working together as a team. Our property owners are comprised of seniors, young urban pioneers starting their careers, long-time residents who prefer to and depend on living in a light industrial area with low taxes, and small shop owners.
Many of us have already lost money on our real estate investments, are struggling to make ends meet, and simply cannot afford an additional tax.
We are all in agreement that we wish to be excluded from the proposed SSA 57 expansions to our block, which is at the South tip of the proposed SSA 57 expansion. The proposed expansion boundaries along the 1800-1900 block of Grand Avenue are primarily residential and the primary business is commercial and light industrial to the trades and not to the general public. Moreover, our neighbors at the 1900-2000 block of Grand have already elected to not participate in the SSA 57 expansion. The proposed SSA 57 expansion is unwarranted and unnecessary, as the owner of 1810 West Grand Avenue stated in the open public hearings in front of the Finance Committee on October 12,2012. If enacted, she and her brother will not be able to continue to live in the home that her family has owned for four gene...
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