The buzz around Wrigley tonight won't be about beating the Texas Rangers in two of this past weekend's three meetings in Texas, nor will it be much about the Cubs' chances against the Los Angeles Dodgers starting tonight at Wrigley Field. Most talk likely will center on this morning's approval by the Chicago City Council buildings committee of the much talked about Toyota sign the Ricketts want to erect in the left field bleachers. In a 9-0 vote, the committee approved a permit for the Cubs to erect the sign in the bleachers where they want to place it.
The Cubs have been in opposition with Alderman Tom Tunney and at least one rooftop owner over the sign, which would partially block one rooftop that has no seating upon it. As was stated in an earlier article, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts had worked with rooftop owners to be sure views from the existing rooftops were not obstructed.
Tunney, who says he is working for the benefit of the citizens of his ward, in which Wrigley Field is located said in a statement issued May 6 that he had testified before the Landmarks Commission that he did not, at the time, support the placement of the Toyota sign "as it is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood or with the spirit of the City's Landmarks ordinance."
He further stated, "Much of today's controversy and adversarial atmosphere could have been avoided -- and would be in the future -- if the Cubs step back and take the time to develop a master plan for signage. I should note that this critical action was suggested in the overall plan development."
However, according to a Sun-Times report today sometime between Tunney's last statement at a Landmarks Committee hearing and today's meeting with the buildings committee Tunney changed his tune and came out in support of the sign.
According to the article, the Cubs have agreed to a four-year moratorium on new signs "above the bleachers between the foul poles."
It seems a small price for the Cubs to pay, as owner Ricketts told Examiner.com earlier that he had no intentions of putting up other signs in Wrigley.
The Chicago City Council must still authorize the sign. The Cubs are hopeful it will be authorized at the next meeting on June 9. If approved, the Cubs could have the sign up by the time the White Sox come to Wrigley June 11.
Comments
I don't like the Toyota sign or any other signs on the bleachers. It may even stop some more balls from getting to Waveland Avenue and the historic Ballhawks which are a Wrigleyville tradition. Very tacky decision to pursue the sign.
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