TAKE ACTION IN OUR COMMUNITY

Please ask your neighbors and church members to sign a copy of this letter and send it to the commissioner or turn it in to President Keith Tate at the next Chatham Avalon meeting September 10th.

August 14, 2012

Bechara Choucair, M.D.

Commissioner of the Chicago

Department of Public Health

City Hall
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Dear Commissioner Choucair:

As a resident of Chatham Avalon Park community, I am pleading with you to address the growing problem of people opening businesses in front of their homes and on street corners selling candy and snow cones. Even worse some of these make-shift vendors are also selling drugs. They diminish the neighborhood. They decimate the tax base and detract sales from the honest businesses in the community. This commerce does NOTHING to enhance our neighborhood. They create a hazard for our children. They are unlicensed and unsanitary and we want them gone. Peddlers are required to have a peddler’s license and should be moving not stationary and the food vendors are required to have a food handler’s license.

Another issue under your jurisdiction is the so-called bucket boys who present a danger to themselves and possible others by congesting traffic to and at major intersections. Young children are asking for money in the middle of the streets. This is not safe for them or drivers when children stick their hands into their vehicles for donations. This is unacceptable behavior. As a result, we would like to seek out resources to help offer training for our youth for grass cutting, window washing, floor mopping and tutorial etc which is acceptable behavior.

“Our Public Health system has a direct impact on the quality of life of this vibrant city. A healthy city is a city that…offers healthier food options. ...is prepared to respond to public health threats. Creates healthy and safe environments. Ensures access to care for all its residents. Works to eliminate health disparities for all communities.” When I saw these words on your website I was hopeful.

I know that the Chicago Department of Public Health has an agenda that engages our city with bold action and goal-driven results. Therefore I am relying on your assistance in eradicating these growing problems before it gets worse.

I look forward to your prompt and productive response to our issues.

Sincerely,