Joliet to Hold Open House to Discuss Special Service Area Extension

JOLIET, IL — The City of Joliet will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, to discuss proposed changes to the economic development Special Service Area (SSA) that presently serves Downtown Joliet. The open house will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 150 West Jefferson Street from 4 to 6 p.m. This open house is to encourage individual dialogue on the proposal from any interested parties. In the open house format, individuals may attend at any time during the two hour event.

The City of Joliet is considering a ten year extension of the SSA, which expires in 2016, as well as an expansion of the territory served by the SSA. The new territory would include commercial and industrial properties located along the Cass Street, Collins Street, and South Chicago Street corridors.

Special Service Area Facts
Downtown SSA Expansion Proposal

What is a Special Service Area (SSA)?

A special service area (SSA) is a defined, contiguous area in which a special tax is levied. The additional property taxes generated are used to fund services benefiting the area.

Does the City presently have an SSA?

An SSA has been in place within Downtown Joliet since 1980. The SSA generates funding for economic development activities, marketing, public improvements and special events related to Downtown Joliet. The Downtown SSA will expire in 2016.

What is the City Proposing?

The City is considering a renewal of the Downtown SSA, combined with an expansion of new territory to be included in the SSA. This expansion would include roadway corridors that serve as entryways into Downtown Joliet.

Where is the SSA expansion being considered?

The expanded area would include business, commercial and industrial property generally located along the Cass Street Corridor, Collins Street Corridor and South Chicago Street Corridor. A map is attached to identify the proposed boundaries of the SSA.

What special services would be funded by the expanded SSA?

Funds generated within the SSA would continue to be utilized for activities, projects and programs intended to foster improved economic development. The City is also seeking input from community member stakeholders to determine additional needs that may be addressed through SSA funding.

Why does the City want to expand the Downtown SSA?

The economic vitality of Downtown Joliet has been assisted in the past through its SSA. The City feels that improving the business and redevelopment potential of adjoining commercial corridors is equally important to foster a strong and vibrant central business district.

What is the added property tax associated with the SSA?

The current SSA tax rate for the Downtown is $0.95 cents for each $100 in assessed valuation. The proposal is to maintain this rate for both Downtown and the expanded SSA area. Since Downtown property owners are presently paying the SSA tax, the SSA renewal and expansion will have no effect upon them. For property owners within the expanded areas, the rate of $0.95 would result in a property tax increase of 8.6 percent.

How much revenue would be generated from the SSAs?

The existing Downtown SSA generates approximately $400,000 per year in revenues. Expanding the SSA to include the new commercial corridors will generate an additional $230,000 for economic development purposes.

If approved, how long will the SSA be in effect?

The City has re-established the existing Downtown SSA every ten years. It is anticipated that the proposal to expand the SSA would also have a ten year expiration.

How is an SSA Created?

Under State law a municipality may establish an SSA in accordance with certain procedures. Once the proposed boundary, term, and maximum tax rate is proposed, a mailing to affected property owners and a public hearing is required. Following the public hearing, owners and registered voters within the SSA areas have 60 days to file an objection to the SSA. If at least 51 percent of the owners and electors file an objection, the SSA is not established.

What is the City schedule for establishing the SSAs?

The tentative schedule is to have the City Council consider proposing the SSA on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. If approved, a public hearing will be scheduled for October, with final approval scheduled for December 2016.

What if I have specific questions pertaining to the creation of the SSAs?

Questions regarding the City proposal to establish SSAs should be directed to Steve Jones, Economic Development Director at 815-724-3734.

COMMERCIAL SSA - DOWNTOWN EXPANSION
POTENTIAL USE OF FUNDS

• Chicago Street - Design & installation of streetscape improvements.

• Van Buren Plaza – Design & installation of Plaza improvements.

• Provide matching grants for business improvements within eligible corridors.

• Design & installation of artificial turf at Silver Cross Field for expansion of field uses and additional events (soccer, concerts, etc.).

• Design & installation of entryway streetscape improvements on commercial corridors entering SSA area (Northbound Chicago Street near I-80 interchange , Southbound Chicago Street near Ruby Street, Westbound Cass Street near PW Facility, Southbound IL 171 near prison property, Eastbound McDonough near Chicago).

• Modernization of parking meters to provide smart technology options.

• Comprehensive analysis of street signage & implementation of recommended improvements. Maintenance expenses regarding installation/repair of brick pavers, tree grates, trees, street furniture, etc.

• Maintenance and installation of public art within SSA territory.

• Land acquisition, design & installation of new parking facilities within SSA territory.

• Maintenance of public spaces (power washing, gum removal, etc.) within SSA Territory.

• Economic development/marketing of properties within SSA territory.

Submitted by the City of Joliet