Please ask your neighbor and church members to sign a copy of this letter and send it to the commissioner.
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,
