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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.

A permit was issued earlier this month for the new construction of a three-story multi-unit building at 6853 W Belmont Avenue in the Montclare neighborhood. The owner of the permits is listed as EP Belmonts LLC, and the current plans indicate this project will yield four dwelling units and a basement. Each floor will feature a rear steel porch and there are four parking spaces on the site. The building will replace part of a strip mall. YIMBY reported on a similar build located at 6853 W Belmont Avenue when permits were issued last month.