Near South Side · 2026-01
Permit value crashes 94% despite 21 new licenses
Permit value fell from $40.8 million to $2.5 million in January, a 94% drop, even as 21 businesses secured licenses—including Sakana Japanese Restaurant, Bar 22, and Minghin Cuisine. The 23 permits issued were mostly small-scale: 12 express permits and five renovations. Violent crime rose 24%, from 41 to 51 incidents. Residents filed 54 pothole complaints and 26 graffiti requests as 311 calls dropped 17% overall.
By the numbers
| Building permits | 23 |
|---|---|
| Declared construction value | $2,470,266 |
| New business licenses | 22 |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 |
| 311 service requests | 338 |
| Reported crimes | 179 |
| Violent crimes | 51 |
| Failed food inspections | 0 |
New businesses
- BLAZERJONES (Regulated Business License)
- SAKANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- CHICAGO VALET, INC. (Valet Parking Operator)
- FORWARD MOMENTUM CHICAGO (Raffles)
- THE STALEY (Caterer's Liquor License)
- AsYouSeeFit Chi (Regulated Business License)
- MINGHIN CUISINE (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- BAR 22 (Tavern)
- BAR 22 (Public Place of Amusement)
- Signature Steak (Food - Shared Kitchen - Supplemental)
Top permit types
- PERMIT – EXPRESS PERMIT PROGRAM — 12
- PERMIT - RENOVATION/ALTERATION — 5
- PERMIT - ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT — 4
- PERMIT - SIGNS — 2
Top 311 request types
- Pothole in Street Complaint — 54
- Graffiti Removal Request — 26
- Traffic Signal Out Complaint — 23
- Snow – Uncleared Sidewalk Complaint — 23
- Ice and Snow Removal Request — 12