Wrigley Rally: ‘Residents are Not Being Listened To’

In the wake of Chicago’s Landmark Commission approving a Jumbotron and outfield signs at Wrigley Field, area residents are gathering to ask why their voices are falling on deaf ears.

More than 100 people showed up to a “Rally to Save Wrigleyville” Wednesday night across the street from Wrigley Field. Hosted by the Lake View Citizens’ Council—an organization dedicated to representing residents—the protest had area leaders demanding answers.

“We’re asking that the city slow down and make sure that the questions and concerns that are typically raised during a planned development are actually addressed,” said LVCC President Will DeMille. "...Residents are not being listened to regarding the Wrigley planned development."

Some of the major concerns residents have include: parking, traffic, security, public drinking, the proposed bridge over Clark Street and the entrance to the proposed hotel placed on Patterson Avenue.

The organization says that while Ald. Tom Tunney has been a supporter of its efforts, they’ve sent countless letters to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel only for his office not to respond.

“At the very least we deserve a response from our mayor,” said Jill Peters, president of Southport Neighbors Association. “… These elements are a tremendous nuisance (to neighbors).”

Tunney, who was in attendance, is threatening to withhold his support for the $500 million project unless changes to the pedestrian bridge over Clark and the hotel’s entrance are changed, the Chicago Tribune writes. That’s combined with other elements, like asking for a 10-year moratorium on signs above the bleachers in Wrigley Field’s outfield.

Still, Chicago Cubs officials are sticking to their proposal, with their Vice President of Communications Julian Green saying all these elements play a role in the development.

“Every single asset we’re seeking has value to the Cubs and potential partners,” Green told the Tribune in an email Wednesday. “And we understand better than anyone every part of this project has to be done responsibly with the safety of our neighbors, fans and visitors in mind. Like always, we’re continuing talks with Alderman Tunney and the City. 

And while members of the LVCC are seeking answers to their questions, every official who took the podium at Wednesday’s rally insisted they are not anti-Cubs. The group says they recognize the importance of the team in Lake View, but rushing through a planned development without clear answers isn’t a good idea.

“The LVCC is a strong supporter of the Cubs, and supportive of the planned renovation within the ballpark,” DeMille said. “The Cubs are on the board of LVCC and participate in many of our neighborhood groups. The Cubs also give back to our community in numerous ways. There’s no dispute of this, and attempts to portray this as the neighbors versus the Cubs or the neighbors versus Wrigley Field is inaccurate and misleading.”