44th Ward Community Directed
Development Council
Meeting Notes
July 25, 2012
Welcome and Introductions
Reverend Abrahamson called the meeting to order.
Alderman Tunney gave an opening statement reflecting on the critical juncture that we as a
community have come to with the Cubs and Wrigley Field. He thanked the CDDC for their hard
work over many years and service to the community. It will be important for everyone to remain
positive as we move forward together. Tonight’s meeting is a brainstorm and discussion. He will
be ‘all ears’.
Wrigley Field Area Planning – Mike Lufrano
Infrastructure
Since the change in ownership, the Cubs have been taking a fresh look at things on the
development side. Circumstances for the team have changed and evolved over the years (in ’84
with the playoffs and in ’88 with night games). The need to renovate inside the ballpark is great,
and is estimated to cost $300M. The concrete and steel need to be replaced along with the entire
roof (which is made of wood!)
The approved 6-story ‘Triangle Building’ for the parcel just west of the ballpark no longer makes
sense. They are looking at a plan that incorporates more open space, and similar commercial uses
that will not block the view of the park. Based on community feedback and the needs of the team
they are drawing closer to a vision for an office building on Waveland and a plaza space to the
south. The plaza could house the ice rink, farmers market, mini baseball field for kids, pop-up
retail and video/movie screens. They would also streetscape along Clark and widen the
sidewalks. Player facilities would be updated in the park itself.
A hotel is desired on the McDonald’s lot, and is consistent with the 44th Ward Master Plan.
Parking has to be tackled looking at all the lots and needs together. There is the potential to
expand the existing lots or acquire new land. More will come to the community as options are
explored.
Signage is another opportunity to raise revenue and there are possible locations with rooftops and
in the outfield.
Discussion
S. Hagan – Lose the old scoreboard, reuse the size but make that the Jumbotron part of the
scoreboard. Use the ivy for signage too!
J. Peters – Agrees with losing some of the ivy for interior signage. It’s wasted space and has zero
impact on the community. We need a better looking building on Clark to compliment the
ballpark and not block views from the west.
K. McIntyre – hanging baskets for the streetscape would be great around the perimeter.
M. Martino – likes the community amenities, more family friendly spaces are needed, like a
bowling alley or batting cages. Banquet and event space are sorely needed in the community as
well.
S. Sachnoff – are all the signs ok for player sight lines? (Per M. Lufrano yes – it’s out of their line
of vision). We need to remember it is a ballpark first.
F. Campise – The jumbotron is an interesting idea and may help relieve pressure for public
dollars. (ML – yes, all enhancements would but they would still need some public money to
complete everything).
W. DeMille – More open and usable space is a good thing. The outdoor screens are fun for road
games and will help local businesses. He thinks a sports complex (ESPN Zone-type) is a good
idea. He disagrees about changing the ivy, scoreboard – they along with the rooftops and views
of the train are all part of the experience.
B. Lawson – What about the idea of signage on the Rooftops?
M. Lufrano – it takes away some of the revenue from the Cubs but is an option.
J. Peters – it might be too much like Times Square and a distraction. Anything outdoors is
equally offensive.
K. McIntyre – is there a way that the ads could be up only during games and have a minimal
effect on surrounding properties? Night games are all about the excitement, lights and crowd.
J. Ludwig – The authenticity of the experience is a big draw for Wrigley and the rooftops are part
of that. That might work for the jumbotron though - he’s open to ideas without wrecking the
character of the park.
B. Murphy – The Cubs often talk about what other parks have without focusing on the good
things here! The rooftops are part of that and provide jobs, pay taxes and have to be part of the
solution.
S. Hagan – the jumbotron idea won’t go away.
Y. Chan – any signage needs real size to be effective.
W. DeMille – the Miller signage in right field blends well now.
Ald. Tunney – one idea is to use the Budweiser building for the jumbotron and allow seating
above, similar to the Green Monster at Fenway.
W. DeMille – is not crazy about that idea either.
S. Sachnoff – what about corporate licenses for seats?
M. Lufrano – that’s happening now. Another possibility is sponsored rooftops, i.e. the Pepsi
Rooftop.
K. McIntyre – we need to get a sense of what everything would look like as a package.
B. Stepp – concerned about additional height on the rooftops. Things are going up and up and
signage shouldn’t obstruct the façades.
Rev. Robersmith – likes space that improves crowd flow and the fan experience. Green roofs will
have a positive eco-impact. He would be heartbroken to see a Vegas version of Wrigley, so
making wise choices now is crucial.
T. Diamond – change the scoreboard but keep the ivy.
J. Sumrall – year-round activities are good for outside of the park.
E. Weseman – losing the scoreboard would be awful and digital is very distracting, especially
outside the park to drivers. Corporate sponsorship of the plaza is ok but not of the streetscape as
a whole.
J. Peters – perhaps an “Apple Jumbotron” would allow ads on the iPhone.
J. Gilbert – maybe we can go half and half on the scoreboard. Keep some scores but add a digital
feature.
M. Poppy – keep the business inside the park and on their property to avoid spill-over into the
neighborhood. She likes the year-round amenities and multi-use nature of the plaza.
D. Kuta – the plaza looks better than the Triangle Building, the ivy is great and what everyone
associates with Wrigley.
C. Kropidlowski – it’s important to remember the rooftops are our neighbors, just like the Cubs.
G. Isacson – likes the NY and Vegas look.
The Potential Hotel – there is a commitment to keep McDonalds on the site. Perhaps to also add
community amenities like a fitness club. The demand is great and should work even if Addison
Park on Clark is built nearby. Height could be similar to that project at 91 feet?
J. Peters – very concerned about the height. This literally abuts residences and 9 stories are too
much. It is a good idea on a small scale (boutique style) but needs to be integrated into the
neighborhood.
Y. Chan – confirmed the current zoning is B3-2
Operations
W. DeMille presented the letter from LVCC to the Mayor and Alderman. LVCC formed a
committee to look at the concerts but then moved to the whole package of Wrigley games and
night events.
The Cubs should schedule 30 games instead of holding a few back for MLB or TV pick-ups.
Other night events should be limited to 4 to 6 during the season with any more than 4 leading to a
reduction in one night game for each. Outside of the season are easier such as football and
hockey, and LVCC is in favor of no restrictions on night events from October 1 through April 1.
The community give-back is suggested to be $75K per event with a $200K cap per year. The
money would be allocated through planning with LVCC and targeted to shorter-term projects and
improvements.
Concerns included a need for more enforcement and parking controls. Buses and limos still
remain a problem.
C. Kropidlowski – the City has to step in the play a greater role. OEMC has been giving lipservice to these issues for the last few years. We need more ‘walking corridors’ and widen
sidewalks to get people to parking lots and the CTA.\
B. Stepp / E. Weseman – the limos are a big problem on certain nights, especially concerts. We
need to find a lot or way to corral them with buses and cabs.
J. Greene – OEMC and CDOT need to meet with the Cubs and Ald. Tunney to improve the traffic
plan. The Cubs have requested more tickets for limos and double parking during concerts.
Ald. Tunney – in Boston, the City bills the Red Sox for police service. That may be something
the City will consider here.
K. McIntyre – the discussion tonight was fantastic and keeps everyone focused in the right
direction. We need to do it more often.
Aldermanic Updates – Ald. Tunney, B. Lawson
Pedicabs – we are working with Business Affairs, CDOT, the Mayor’s Office, Police and Ald.
Reilly to have an ordinance in place for next season. There are some outstanding issues around
the allowed routes, safety measures and insurance.
1230 W. School – the property is being transferred to the Park District. The Cubs have hired an
architect for some preliminary designs and will subsidize the construction. We are looking at
$750K in build-out costs. They have been very willing to work with us on this and it is the right
kind of project for community give-back dollars. These types of pocket parks are very much
needed in the ward.
Next Meeting – October 3, 2012