City In Review: Chicago

Woodlawn · 2026-02

Woodlawn crime up 31% as permits drop by half

Crime in Woodlawn jumped 31% in February, with 252 reported incidents including 87 violent offenses. At the same time, building permits fell from 29 to 16, a 45% drop, with permit value sliding from nearly $2 million to about $1.1 million. Most permits were express approvals for minor work. Service requests climbed 27%, led by 47 abandoned vehicle complaints and 39 traffic signal outages. New businesses included Mae's Soul Kitchen and Rolls, a retail food spot, and Privilege, which opened with both a food license and approval for incidental alcohol consumption. No food inspections failed during the month.

By the numbers

Building permits16
Declared construction value$1,077,708
New business licenses5
Business closings (proxy)0
311 service requests469
Reported crimes252
Violent crimes87
Failed food inspections0

New businesses

Top permit types

Top 311 request types

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