A Walgreens drug store that was being closed on Thursday in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s south side would re-open under city management, if the Alderman of the 6th Ward has his way.
Alderman William Hall stood outside the Walgreens at 86th and Cottage Grove along with supporters.
The store was being closed because of theft and crime, according to the company.
“We are here today, not because there is a funeral,” Hall said. “This is the future. Walgreens has decided to leave, Walgreens has to close up. We’re not here to beg, we’re not here to cry but we’re here to announce something that would change the world and change the city.”
The Alderman wants to create the Office of Pharmacy Access, that would be run by the city.
He envisions city-run pharmacies in storefronts in all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
Although, he noted, they would be of the most benefit on the south and west sides, where pharmacies have been leaving.
“White people don’t have this problem,” Hall said.
The Walgreens that was closing, the latest, is about a mile from another pharmacy.
Long-time Chatham resident George Smith said it makes things less convenient, for a lot of people.
“I had a stroke last year,” he said. “Walgreens is the only place I can get - I have to take eight medicines – so I have to change my medicine habit.”
The city would be the landlord and the Office of Pharmacy Access would manage the pharmacies.
Hall said it could be paid for in part with new taxes.
“We have people that drink past Midnight, from Midnight to six o’clock in the morning.” he said. “So we are going to look at taxing liquor.”
At Walgreens store that's closing
At Walgreens store that's closing
