Mayor Won't Talk Specifics On Wrigley Deal, But Confident It Will Get Final OK
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel acknowledged Tuesday there are still many details yet to be worked out in the deal on a $500 million plan to renovate Wrigley Field, but he doesn't think that's a problem.
On Monday, Cubs owners laid out details of their plan for $300 million in renovations to Wrigley Field – including a 6,000-square-foot video screen in left field and upgrades to concourses and locker rooms – as well as a $200 million hotel across the street.
Mayor Avoids Specifics On Wrigley Deal
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports the mayor said Tuesday he won't comment on specifics of the plan, as some details will be finalized as the deal goes forward.
"The Cubs now will submit something that goes through the planning process, and we're going to work with them so both Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville succeed in this effort, and the jobs and economic growth come from it," he said. "There's a framework. We have an understanding between the city, the alderman, and the ownership. Now we're going to go forward through the planning development process, work through that. They're going to submit their desires and goals, and we're going to work through that to achieve what has always been the goal; which is a win-win both for the neighborhood and a win for the ownership."
Emanuel said he doesn't think the deal might be threatened by the fact the city and the team have not yet specifically agreed on some details of the renovation plan.
"I think that all the parties will go forward, because that's why we did a three-way framework," he said. "As I was clear, it's a framework of an understanding and a consensus."
The plan would also allow the Cubs to host 40 night games a year, up from the current limit of 40. In addition, the plan would extend beer sales to 10:30 p.m. or the end of the 7th inning (whichever is earlier), add 30 safety personnel to area after games and create 1,000 free remote parking spaces with shuttle.
The deal would require approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, since much of the stadium is protected by landmark status. The City Council would also have to sign off on the agreement before work could begin.
