While we await word on how the Chicago Cubs and the rooftops plan to proceed in light of the Cubs’ decision to apply for a right field sign permit, and the rooftops’ comments about legal action and what-have-you, the calls for the Cubs to leave Wrigley Field – or at least threaten it – have returned. I still don’t think moving makes much sense in the long run, but that won’t stop people from discussing it. And who am I to stand in the way of earnest conversation?
To that end, the Daily Herald spoke with Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens, who notably offered the Cubs 25 acres of land last year, just outside of Chicago, where the team could move if sparring with the City/neighborhood/rooftops continued. Stephens confirmed that the offer remains on the table, though he doesn’t seem to have the same gusto this time around.
“Obviously we’d listen to anything. We really don’t have any redevelopment agreement on that site, so if they’d call, we’d talk to them,” Stephens told the Daily Herald, in part. “It almost seems like divorce isn’t an option for them down there and they’re pretty solid on staying in Wrigleyville. If they’d call, we’d talk to them. But I’m not very optimistic.”
Not that it surprises me, but if the man behind one of the most visible “move” offers of last year now says he’s not optimistic about the Cubs divorcing themselves from Wrigleyville, it isn’t going to happen. You can read the Herald piece for a dismissive response from the Cubs, which is what you’d expect.
Moving on, and back to the signage fight.