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Austin’s ALDI, one of only two grocery chains in the neighborhood, reopened Thursday after an extensive remodel. The recently remodeled store, located at 5926 W. Fillmore St., closed for renovations June 2 as part of an ongoing nationwide update and expansion to existing ALDI grocery stores. It’s just one of two major chains providing groceries to a community of nearly 100,000 people. The other is Walmart, at 4650 W. North Ave. It also was recently remodeled.
The community-focused mural by local artist Tia Etu was unveiled last week at the store, 4650 W. North Ave. Etu said she featured the things she thought were wonderful about the community in the mural, which is right inside the store’s entrance.
The Walmart Supercenter in Austin is offering COVID-19 vaccines, but some are concerned the mostly African American community isn’t taking advantage. City data shows 2,742 people in the 60639 ZIP code, where the Walmart is located, have received their first dose. At 3.1% of the ZIP code’s population, it’s among the lowest vaccination rates in the city.
Residents and community groups will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday in front of the West Side Walmart, 4650 W. North Ave.
The coalition Chicago Neighborhoods First says it wants the retail giant to follow through on promises made as it opens stores beyond Austin.
Emma Mitts wants to extend her 11 years in the Chicago City Council by defeating five challengers next week.
Incumbent Ald. Emma Mitts faces one challenger from the 2007 election and four new candidates. The deadline to challenge petitions – and possibly knock someone off the Feb. 22 ballot – is Nov. 30.
The city’s only Walmart will hold a job fair Friday for its West Side store, which is scheduled to become a 24-hour operation in September.