Business reporter Riddhi Trivedi St. Clair has a great read in today’s paper about a failed real estate venture in the city’s Fourth Ward.

The article shines a light on the Ville, a proud but struggling neighborhood that has, so far, proved resistant to the development boom in others part of the city.

A key part of the equation in the area is political instability. The Fourth Ward has had three alderman in the last three years.

Peggy Ryan, first elected in 2001, was recalled in March 2005. The man who orchestrated her removal from office, former state rep O.L. Shelton, held the seat for two years. But last spring, he was soundly defeated at the polls by Sam Moore, who has brought a preacher’s flair, and passion, to City Hall. (His nickname is “The Brick,” because of his efforts targeting brick thieves.)

And that’s just the fights over alderman — the sparring over the ward’s committee posts have been even more acrimonious.

Political homogeny doesn’t necessarily breed prosperity — but when a developer can’t be sure the alderman that invited them to the table will be around when the deal is ready, it certainly can’t help.

Peggy Ryan, elected 2001, recalled March 2005

O.L. Shelton, elected June 2005, ousted March 2007

Incumbent Alderman Sam Moore, elected March 2007