Wrigley Plan Faces City Council Committee

The deal to renovate Wrigley Field looks to have finally crossed the plate. A City Council committee unanimously approved the deal Tuesday after some furious late inning, back room negotiations.

Gone from the final $500 million plan will be a proposed pedestrian bridge over Clark Street. Still in the plan is the digital jumbotron in left field and a big sign in right field, but the Cubs and rooftop owners will continue to negotiate whether future signs can be put up in the outfield.

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Ald. Tom Tunney says he believes the deal helps the Cubs and protects the neighborhood.

“The dreams and realities of the Cubs are also dreams and realities for our neighborhood," said Tunney. "The mayor did not elect me, nor did the Cubs. The residents of my ward are first and foremost.”

The Cubs and rooftop owners have also discussed the possibility of extending a deck in right field all the way over Sheffield Avenue, effectively building a bridge over the street. But Mayor Rahm Emanuel says those plans would have to be considered separately. Read the mayor's full statement on the Wrigley progress below.

“Today Alderman Tom Tunney and I met to discuss the remaining two issues regarding the planned development of Wrigley Field and adjacent properties.  Alderman Tunney and I agree that in addition to the portico over Patterson, which the Cubs agreed to defer last week, that the proposed bridge over Clark Street will also be deferred indefinitely.  Additionally, we agree that further discussion is necessary on the location of the entrance to the Hotel.  While Alderman Tunney, Tom Ricketts and I have agreed that only the two outfield signs they have secured will be authorized for the duration of their agreement. I am pleased that the Cubs and Rooftop Club owners are having serious discussions to resolve their remaining issues for the duration of their current agreement and I encourage the parties to complete their negotiation. Alderman Tunney and I also agree that there must be public input regarding any future revisions to Sheffield Ave before plans would be approved by any city department and the alderman.  While work still needs to be done, overcoming these remaining issues will allow the planned development to go forward so the Cubs can begin investing in Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville.”

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