As expected, today the Chicago City Council signed off on the revised Wrigley Field renovation and development plan, the original having been approved back in the Summer. The revisions to the plan include a branding arch (ad sign) over Clark Street, changes to the hotel, and further bump-out for the outfield walls.
What does this mean? It means that the Cubs have received the formal, legislative approvals that they need to begin serious construction work. That’s not a meaningless thing, but it doesn’t mean work starts tomorrow.
Unfortunately, we await word from the Cubs and the Ricketts Family on the state of discussions with the rooftop owners who are threatening to sue the Cubs if they start the construction, which includes revenue-generating outfield signs that could partially obstruct some views into the park.
Each of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Tom Tunney openly hoped that, with the approval in place, the Cubs would get to work on the construction soon (Sun-Times).
I’ll understand if the negotiations with the rooftops still take time, but I do hope we at least get something of a substantive update, now that City Council has signed off once again. Even if the update is: “We’re actively engaged in negotiations with the rooftops, the details of which we can’t share because that’s obviously not in anyone’s interest. Once we have those agreements in place, we’ll get started with as much of the renovation as we can, as soon as we can. Be assured: we’re talking. It’s a priority.”
Something like that.