Edgewater and Uptown’s struggles with poorly run nursing homes have been well documented in a recent series by the Chicago Tribune. They also document Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s efforts to address these problems. Furthermore, Alderman Smith spoke on the issues in this recent newsletter article to constituents. Below is more information on the Alderman’s efforts.
Here is a map comparing Chicago’s Institutionalized Psychiatric Population by Ward.
This is a survey of the Somerset Place from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) following the death of Marrata Walker.
This is a letter from Alderman Mary Ann Smith written to IDPH requesting Somerset’s operating license be revoked.
This is the response letter from IDPH to Alderman Smith’s request.
Attorneys from the Somerset also sent this letter in response to the Alderman’s request.
For more information on this issue, please contact dana@masmith48.org or monica@masmith48.org.
Action Uptown 
I agree with Edward Bowe that the residents of Somerset Place are some of the weakest among us trying to make it the best they can. I find it a terrible thing that no one is voicing any real concern about what will happen to them if Somerset closes!
I realize that is not the issue of this communication; but ask myself why no one even asks.
A feasible idea would be to create a Creative community where artists, writers, performers, dancers, sculpturers, painters and other such performing artists could create, rent studio and perform on the premises. Throughout history, town and cities have rebound during difficult economic times because the creative individuals, “revived the area” . Attracting more commerce and helping local business in the area to flourish as performances are well attended and restaurants and shops would benefit from increased traffic and business. Art attracts entertaining individuals of all classes and it builds the feeling that the area is newly developing as new events present themselves. The Artists will give a “face-lift”, a rejuvenation to the area. People will visit from all over to go to the Edgewater area where Artists perform. People will not come to visit a mental facility unless there are relatives in residence. However, people will come to see the works of a creative Artist’s in a Fine ART facility to view a unique experience of many studio shows all under one roof.
Dear Community members- I have lived near the Sommerset for over 30 years. I have experienced no violence, nor have I ever seen violence. What I see are the weakest among us trying to get it together in a continually improving community.
Now, members of the community who value their property values and safety have expressed concerns about the ongoing management of the facility because of the death of one of the residents of Somerset, who abused herself and paid the ultimate price. The claim as I understand it is the residents are not being rehabilitated. I am not surprised, but getting the right meds, getting three meals a day, having linens changed, bathing are all decent improvements for many of the residents. They maintain, not gain.
Now for alternate uses if the Somerset were to close. I suppose the best use of the facility as the neighborhood continues to change is to offer Self-Help the opportunity to buy the facility for expansion of an elderly Jewish community home for viable seniors who do not require assisted living or nursing facilities. Many years ago when the neighborhood was much, much weaker in self governance and neighborhood solidarity I volunteered to be block club president with very specific goals in mind. One goal was to stop the development of elderly housing as the Admiral, Aquitania, Self-Help and Somerset and MDA were combining to raise our elderly population to over 25% of residents of the area. We needed young, vital people to walk the streets and report abandoned cars, prostitutes, drug deals, car thefts, armed robberys, assaults and property crimes. That was 1980 and things have changed. We can handle a new Admiral, an expanded Self-Help and say adios to the management, staff and residents of the Somerset. I am aware this is a classless society we live in and I have cherished my good health and fortune to be living with all walks of life in this polyglot community.