City Hall Announces Proposed Rules For Plaza Outside Wrigley Field
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A long, heated debate between the Cubs, City Hall and opponents of an outdoor plaza at Wrigley Field could be over, at least according to the mayor's office.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) released a statement Sunday morning that a compromise on rules for the plaza would be presented to the City Council later this month. The ordinance would include restrictions on alcohol sales that the Cubs have previously opposed, and the team has yet to comment on the compromise offered by the city.
During day games, the Cubs would be allowed to sell beer and wine at the plaza until one hour after the game ends. During night games, beer and wine sales would have to end when the game ends. Only fans with game tickets would be allowed to enter the plaza on game days.
The Cubs also would be allowed to hold 12 special events a year at the plaza, and they would have to end no later than 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. Any event will qualify as a special event if it has more than 1,000 people or sells alcohol, according to the mayor's office. Any other events at the plaza would require a special use permit from the city.
The ordinance would sunset after three years.
"This compromise plan is the product of long negotiations and it reflects my long-held goals of allowing the Cubs to improve Wrigley, but only in a way that protects the neighborhood and residents' quality of life," the mayor said in a statement provided by spokesman Grant Klinzman.
On Sunday morning, Cubs spokesman Julian Green declined comment on the announcement from the mayor's office.
"We were unaware of an announcement or a news release being issued and have no further comment at this time," he said in an email.
On Saturday, the Sun-Times quoted Green as saying the team wouldn't accept the deal.
""We are miles from a deal that includes these terms," Green said, according to the Sun-Times. "None of these terms are reasonable when you're trying to invest $750 million."
Wrigleyville residents have turned out in droves at past meetings on the plaza, protesting plans to allow alcohol sales outside the stadium. They've expressed concerns about massive consumption in a neighborhood where bars already are packed much of the summer.
The proposed ordinance will be introduced to the City Council on June 22, according to the mayor's office.
