Washington Heights · 2026-02
Washington Heights sees violent crime more than double
Washington Heights recorded 181 crimes in February, up 87% from 97 the month prior. Violent offenses more than doubled, jumping from 30 to 64. The neighborhood also saw an unusual burst of new business licenses—10 in total, up from just 2 in January. Among them: Sharks Fish & Chicken, Chicago Pit Stop BBQ, a Popeyes, and Little People With Big Dreams 2 LLC, a children's services facility. Building permits climbed slightly to 27, though total permit value dropped 30% to $370k. Residents filed 681 service requests, led by 64 calls for tree trimming and 52 for garbage cart issues.
By the numbers
| Building permits | 27 |
|---|---|
| Declared construction value | $370,095 |
| New business licenses | 10 |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 |
| 311 service requests | 681 |
| Reported crimes | 181 |
| Violent crimes | 64 |
| Failed food inspections | 4 |
New businesses
- TORNADO MARKET (Tobacco)
- SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN (Retail Food Establishment)
- CHICAGO PIT STOP BBQ (Retail Food Establishment)
- PRAIRIE MATERIAL (Manufacturing Establishments)
- IKE'S LIQUORS (Tobacco)
- LITTLE PEOPLE WITH BIG DREAMS 2 LLC (Children's Services Facility License)
- LYONS BEVERAGE EXPRESS 9041 (Tobacco)
- POPEYES (Retail Food Establishment)
- LYONS BEVERAGE EXPRESS 9041 (Package Goods)
- Joy Auto Repair & Tires (Motor Vehicle Services License)
Top permit types
- PERMIT – EXPRESS PERMIT PROGRAM — 26
- PERMIT - RENOVATION/ALTERATION — 1
Top 311 request types
- Tree Trim Request (NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED) — 64
- Garbage Cart Maintenance — 52
- Pothole in Street Complaint — 47
- 311 INFORMATION ONLY CALL — 46
- Abandoned Vehicle Complaint — 37