This Chicago neighborhood is using planning to increase life expectancy

Chicago officials have revealed the Garfield Park Quality-Of-Life Plan, the first such plan to target the Garfield Park area. The plan aims to extend the life expectancy of those living in the area, improve residents’ access to fresh food and revitalize commercial corridors after years of disinvestment. Officials will monitor the plan's progress over the next 7-10 years.

Garfield Park has long struggled to keep a consistent grocery store: In 2021, after an Aldi grocery store closed, 15,000 residents were left without a nearby grocery store, and a nearby Save A Lot closed over the summer, only exacerbating the problem. While the quality-of-life plan does not have plans for a new grocery store, it does aim to support initiatives for pop-up grocers and food pantries in the area, Michael Liptrot writes for Block Club Chicago.

The plan also looks to fill Madison and Pulaski corridors with Black-owned businesses and opportunities for youth engagement — the city has already revitalized a roller rink in the area. The plan also recognizes that “West Garfield Park residents live to an average age of 69, compared to 85 for people living in the Loop,” and plans to use neighborhood programs, workplace development and education to holistically increase the life expectancy for residents, Block Club Chicago reports.