We Need Sidewalks in the Cbd (Central Business District) Cleared From Snow. Know Your Options!

We Need Sidewalks in the Cbd (Central Business District) Cleared From Snow. Know Your Options!

  • Mike McCurry
  • 08/17/10

Issue

The Village of Clarendon Hills has funded sidewalk snow removal for the central business district (CBD) sidewalks and selected downtown parking lots since 2000. Over the last several years, however, enhanced services have become increasingly difficult to fund as the Village has faced reductions in its operating budget. The Village reduced the scope of the CBD sidewalk snow removal plan this past winter, focusing on the funds available for sidewalk snow removal in the most highly trafficked areas of the downtown. The Village is currently seeking a more sustainable revenue source to fund sidewalk snow removal and other enhancements to the downtown, such as landscaping and seasonal decorations.
 

Proposed Solution

In 1998, CBD property owners supported the creation of a Special Service Area (SSA) to fund various streetscape improvements, such as planter boxes, benches, brick pavers, and streetlights. CBD property owners pay an SSA tax rate of $0.55 per $100 equalized assessed value. The last payment for this SSA will be in 2011.
 
Retirement of the streetscape SSA provides a funding opportunity for sidewalk snow removal and other downtown beautification costs without an additional tax increase. The Village is proposing to retire the streetscape SSA one year early and replace it with an SSA to fund snow removal, landscaping, and other downtown maintenance items at the same rate of $0.55 per $100 equalized assessed value. Since the proposed SSA would replace an SSA already in place, property owners would not see a tax rate increase.
 

What that means for downtown property owners

  • For the owner of a property with a market value of $400,000, the payment for the SSA would equal approximately $730. (A property with a market value of $400,000 has an equalized assessed value of $133,333. $133,333 x 0.0055=$733.33)
  • For the owner of a property with a market value of $1 million, the payment for the SSA would equal approximately $1,830 annually.
Alternatively, if the majority of downtown property owners do not wish to pay for sidewalk snow removal through an SSA, the Village will discontinue this service, relying upon each building/business owner to perform or contract for the removal of snow in front of his or her own property/business. If the proposed SSA is not renewed, the previous SSA for streetscape improvements will expire as originally planned in 2011.
 
The Village wishes to hear from property owners regarding the proposed SSA. Below is a timeline for various opportunities for input. In addition, you may contact the Village via e-mail or by calling 630-286-5401.
 

Timeline for SSA Consideration

  • Aug. 16, 2010, Adopt Ordinances Calling for SSA Public Hearing
  • Aug. 26, 2010, Notice of the Public Hearing published in a newspaper
  • Sept. 2, 2010, Mail the Notice of Public Hearing to the Taxpayers of Record
  • Sept. 13, 2010, Question and Answer Session at Village Hall (5 p.m.)
  • Sept. 20, 2010, Hold a Public Hearing as part of the Village Board Meeting
  • Sept. 21 to Nov. 21, Mandatory 60 day waiting period for SSA creation
  • Dec. 6, 2010, Adopt the Ordinance Establishing the SSA (assuming no valid objections have been filed with the Village during the 60 day waiting period)
  • Dec. 20, 2010, Adopt Ordinance providing for the Tax Levy within the SSA
  • Dec. 28, 2010, Tax Levy must be filed with DuPage County by the last Tuesday in December
 
 

Work With Us

Mike believes that people are at the heart of every real estate transaction. That’s why his approach to buying and selling always starts with developing a real relationship with his clients.

Follow Us on Instagram