According to a report from CBS Chicago, the Cubs and the neighborhood appeared close to an agreement Tuesday and the deal could be finalized “just before or shortly after” the Cubs home opener on Monday.
The Cubs deadline to have a deal in place by Opening Day came and went but the two sides resumed their talks on Tuesday. According to the report, the two sides will continue discussions as long as progress is being made.
CBS Chicago reported the proposed 6000 square foot jumbotron is not the only sticking point in the negotiations. The recent conversations still included additional remote parking, additional security and new video scoreboards and signs inside the stadium.
The Cubs have proposed a new parking structure one block north of Wrigley, on property already owned by the team, to replace the parking that was originally proposed to be included in the Triangle Building.
Republican Ward Committeeman Scott Davis of Lakeview called for Ald. Tom Tunney to approve the Cubs plan or step aside.
“The Chicago Cubs have a business plan that is critical to the success of the team, to the future of Wrigley Field and to hundreds of millions of dollars in Lakeview redevelopment. Alderman Tunney needs to take securing the future of Wrigleyville more seriously than he has so far. By opposing the Cubs plan and allowing the deadline to pass, the Cubs may now begin to look elsewhere.”
“The failure to get a deal done with the Cubs really makes you wonder where his priorities are. Alderman Tunney has spent the last three months developing play-lots, arranging rent-a-bike kiosks around Lakeview and bullying local business owners to back off cannibalistic assistant state’s attorneys. Anything but make sure the most iconc sports entertainment venue in Chicago is secured for the future.”
“Keeping the Cubs at Wrigley Field demands Alderman Tunney’s full attention and Lakeview residents should question his judgment now that the deadline has passed. Securing the Cubs future at Wrigley is too important for the community, the City and for Cubs fans everywhere to put at risk.”
“Alderman Tunney and the City should get out of the way and let the Cubs run with their plan to add scoreboards and advertising as they see fit. Rooftop owners can adjust their businesses to fit the Wrigleyville marketplace, not the other way around.”