Wrigley Field Plan Adds Arch, Eliminates 56 Parking Spots

The $500 million Wrigley Field renovation will now include a "branded arch" over Clark St. — although the pedestrian bridge over Clark and a deck over Patterson have been scrapped after changes to the plan (which was passed in July) were approved at Thursday's Chicago Plan Commission meeting. A lane of residential parking will be removed from Sheffield Ave. to accommodate a wall, although the traffic lanes and the side walk will not be affected. In addition, the main entrance to the hotel will be moved from Patterson to Clark St. 

The changes to the plan were approved unanimously by the Chicago Plan Commission. (Alderman Tom Tunney recused himself from the vote.) 

"While one would think these are simple changes, they have been thoroughly negotiated," Alderman Tom Tunney said at Thursday's meeting. "The loss of parking is going to be a concern. We're going to find a very, very good alternative strategy. ... Certainly not as convenient, but viable and at no cost." 

Several Lake View residents spoke out against the plan at Thursday's meeting. 

"I'm here today standing for my neighbors and as a member of ELVN [the East Lake View Neighbors," said resident Jim Spencer. "ELVN is vehemently opposed to this added expansion of Wrigley Field and what amounts to a git of land to the Ricketts family. This erodes our quality of life." 

Chester Kropidlowski, Chair of ELVN, was unhappy with the parking issue. 

"[ELVN] believes that reducing the street from 33 feet to 23 feet to remove parking from in front of people's houses...to benefit a private organization for 80 days a year ... its not good," Kropidlowski said. "We strongly oppose what is being proposed now. I thin that our mayor is going to feel the wrath of the Lake View community come next election." 

Phillip Grinsted, a Cubs season ticket holder, spoke in support of the plan. 

"My position is that since these changes have been approved by the various committees, sub-committees and everything, they should go for it," Grinsted said. "It appears we're finally chipping away at all the work that needs to be done to get Wrigley Field renovated as it has been approved. ... I just would like to see it done for the players and for the fans." 

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