South Chicago · 2026-03
South Chicago permit value jumps 61% to $625k
Building permits in South Chicago climbed to $625k in March, up 61% from February's $389k, though the permit count barely budged (21 vs. 20). Express permits led the way with 14 approvals. Six new businesses opened, including Market Pam Tropical, Save A Lot #61314, and Valentine Africa Hair Braiding. Service requests spiked 32% to 975, with streetlight outages (79), garbage cart issues (75), and abandoned vehicles (74) taking the top slots. Reported crime rose 27% to 304 incidents, including 124 violent offenses. Food inspection failures quadrupled from one to four.
By the numbers
| Building permits | 21 |
|---|---|
| Declared construction value | $624,985 |
| New business licenses | 6 |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 |
| 311 service requests | 975 |
| Reported crimes | 304 |
| Violent crimes | 124 |
| Failed food inspections | 4 |
New businesses
- DWIGHT LEE SOLOMON (Peddler License)
- VALENTINE AFRICA HAIR BRAIDING (Limited Business License)
- MARKET PAM TROPICAL (Retail Food Establishment)
- SAVE A LOT #61314 (Retail Food Establishment)
- GLOSSYGLAZZSSMOKE SHOP (Tobacco)
- ABOOD FOOD MARKET INC. (Retail Food Establishment)
Top permit types
- PERMIT – EXPRESS PERMIT PROGRAM — 14
- PERMIT - RENOVATION/ALTERATION — 6
- PERMIT - WRECKING/DEMOLITION — 1
Top 311 request types
- Street Light Out Complaint — 79
- Garbage Cart Maintenance — 75
- Abandoned Vehicle Complaint — 74
- Tree Trim Request (NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED) — 45
- Sewer Cleaning Inspection Request — 42