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Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods, but it is also a city of 50 wards, each led by an alderperson with their own agenda. As 2025 begins, the city is grappling with budget issues, population growth, and rising crime perception, while aldermanic prerogative—where each alderman has veto power over development in their ward—adds another layer of hurdles to solving these challenges. We’ll examine this issue today through the lens of two major residential projects currently stuck in bureaucratic red tape, including Old Town Canvas, which was blocked by Alderman Brian Hopkins just yesterday.

New permits have been issued for a three-story multi-unit building located at 2611 West Haddon Avenue in the West Town neighborhood. YIMBY reported on demolition permits that were issued last week. The permit owner is once again listed as 2609-11 W Haddon LLC and plans will include five units, a basement level, a rooftop deck, and two detached garages for a total of five vehicles. The building will feature a front deck on the second floor and rear decks on the first and third floors.