Northalsted SSA 18 Security Rebate Program

This is the online application to apply for a rebate through the Northalsted SSA 18 Security Rebate Program. If you have any questions while completing this application, email [email protected] or call 773-883-0500.

Program Guidelines

1. Description

The Security Rebate Program (the “Program”) was created and approved by the Northalsted Special Service Area 18 (“SSA 18”) Commission to provide incentives designed to enhance the security of your business and the local commercial area. The program is managed by the Northalsted Business Alliance (“Chamber”) and is funded solely by City of Chicago SSA 18 and provides financial and technical assistance to commercial owners and/or tenants. The applicant receives the rebate after their project is completed, all costs have been paid, and adequate documentation has been submitted. Funding is limited and applications are considered in the order in which they are received. 

Applicants that meet all Program requirements outlined in this document may receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a total of $1,500 per business. The SSA 18 Commission reserves the right to implement additional Eligibility Requirements as it deems reasonable, and change or end the Program at any time.

2. Eligible Applicants

• Applicants must be located on the following SSA 18 service area corridors:

1. • Halsted Street (Belmont to Grace)
   • Broadway (Grace to Irving Park)
   • Clarendon Avenue – West Side (Broadway to Irving Park)

• Applicants may only seek a rebate for items or equipment that promote a safer environment and have a positive impact, see Section 3.
• Applicants must be the entity paying for the project.
• Applicants must comply with all requirements and deadlines set forth in these Guidelines and Application and respond to any questions issued in a timely manner.

3. Eligible Improvements

Applicants may apply to receive rebates for the purchase of items that are used to promote a safer environment and have a positive impact. The Commission reserves the right to reject any questionable estimates, as well as implement such additional Program rules and regulations as it deems reasonable. Improvements must be completed in accordance with the specifications described in the approved application.

Additional conditions that may determine Program eligibility are outlined below.

1. Applicants may only use funds for supplies that will be used at the business approved by the SSA 18 Commission and located within SSA 18 boundaries defined as North Halsted from Barry north to Grace, from Grace north to West Irving Park Road on Broadway, and its environs (defined as to the alley on intersecting streets). 
2. Applicants must meet Program guidelines and applications are subject to review by the SSA 18 Commission. 
3. Applicants must comply with all applicable city, state and federal laws and requirements. 
4. Purchases must be completed in accordance with the specifications described in the approved application, following the scope in the application, reflecting submitted costs by a vendor (if applicable) whose estimate was submitted with the application. 
5. Security Rebate may only be applied for once every calendar year. 
6. Purchases will only be eligible for the program if they are used to promote a safer environment and have a positive impact in lowering risk of crime:
   • External surveillance system, including security monitoring equipment, including installation cost.
   • Purchase price or initial lease price of a camera or monitor, including installation cost.
   • External or internal lighting, defined as lighting that illuminates dark areas and/or aids in identification for security cameras, including installation cost.
   • Secure entry improvements, defined as a door buzzer entry system, including installation cost. 
   • Installation of one or more panic button(s).

Special pre-install approval needed:

• • Enhancements to parking lots or alleyways that promote a safer environment If you are uncertain, please inquire prior to starting the application process, special permission is determined on a case by case basis for these types of improvements.

4. Rebate Amounts

Approved applicants who make improvements that follow the guidelines of the Security Rebate Program may receive a rebate according to the following guidelines: 

1. The improvement must promote a safer environment. 
2. The rebated amount shall never exceed 50% of project costs up to one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per business. 
3. In cases where several businesses have a common entrance, only the entrance shall be credited as a business. 
4. Only properties within SSA #18 are eligible.

5. Application Process

Applications are subject to review and approval by the SSA 18 Board of Commissioners and a business shall only be awarded a rebate once within a calendar year. To apply for a rebate through the Security Rebate Program, applicants must complete the following online application. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received until all the Security Rebate Program funding is disbursed for the fiscal year.

The applicant must provide copies of checks or credit card receipts for all eligible work that shows all work has been paid for in full for their application to be considered.

If the applicant is applying for a rebate on a camera or monitor, the applicant must provide a screenshot of the security camera’s view to be considered for their application to be considered. If the applicant is applying for a rebate on external or internal lighting, the applicant must submit a photo of external lighting after dusk or two camera screenshots showcasing the difference between internal lighting when it is on/off for their application to be considered. 

If the list of applications received before the next SSA Commission review exceeds the amount of funding for the program a lottery will be held to determine the order in which the projects will be funded and a wait list for funding should it become available. In order to maximize the number of eligible projects that receive assistance, the SSA Commission reserves the right to award a Rebate at an amount less than the allowable maximum. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered for approval. Paper applications submitted via mail will not be considered eligible.

6. Review Process

Applications will be reviewed and approved via a vote at the next SSA 18 Commissioners meeting. The SSA 18 Commissioners will review and accept or reject each completed application in their sole and absolute discretion, including determination as to which proposed projects meet the Program guidelines, and how much funding to award each project. Upon receipt of application, the SSA 18 Commissioners will have ten business days to review and issue inquiries related to the application. Once applicants respond to all inquiries in full, the SSA 18 Commissioners will issue their final decision to applicants via email.

7. Rebate Request and Distribution

Once an eligible application has been submitted and approved by the SSA 18 Commission in accordance with the rules herein, the Chamber will consider the approved application as a Rebate Request.

A rebate check will be processed within 30 days following receipt of the Rebate Request.

Program Application