One Year After Dominick's Pullout, South Shore Remains A 'Food Desert'
(CBS) -- When Dominick's shut down all of its stores a year ago, others grocers moved into many of the locations. But one south side neighborhood is still without a supermarket.
Now, the local alderman is taking action, CBS 2's Jim Williams reports.
For Shequitta Jordan and her 9-year-old son Jeremiah, a trip to grocery store was once easy.
But now they have to go to a Jewel Store more than a mile way. It's a challenge, with heavy bags.
"I don't have a car," she says. "I walk."
Dominick's shut down at 71st and Jeffrey a year ago. Fifth Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston is frustrated, and so are her constituents in this densely populated neighborhood.
"That is the number one question that is asked," she says of residents' inquiries about the site.
Mariano's and Jewel will not come here. Hairston tells us others grocers are interested, but the cost of rent is an issue.
Until a deal is made, the neighborhood is now a food desert.
Kawana Knights just moved here from Hyde Park. "It's horrible," she says.
Ald. Hairston wants Mayor Emanuel to do more to get a grocery here. Meantime, she's willing to use the power of eminent domain to take over the property.
"We will get a grocery store in the 5th Ward," Hairston says.
The owner of the strip mall did not respond to a request for comment.