Wrigley Field Renovation Plan - Part II
Complaining Residents Remain Unpacified

POSTED: 7:30 a.m. CST March 7, 2002
UPDATED: 10:40 a.m. CST March 7, 2002

CHICAGO -- Wednesday night, the Cubs unveiled their latest plan for redeveloping Wrigley Field, the playground of the Chicago Cubs, at a community meeting in Wrigleyville.

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The revised plan came in response to an outcry from some area residents who complained about potentially increased traffic congestion and crime that they feel will result from a stadium expansion.

NBC5's Kim Vatis said about 400 residents attended the meeting where the new plan was presented, which was held at Le Moyne Elmentary School, 851 W. Waveland Ave.

The Cubs said problems caused by increased capacity could be reduced by more rigorously enforcing tow and ticketing laws on cars that are parked without neighborhood zone permits; by setting up portable toilets near parking lots; and by encouraging baseball fans and people who work near Wrigley Field to use public transportation.

The Cubs also proposed opening an additional ramp to Lake Shore Drive and making Waveland a one-way street gong west; putting in a new viewing window from the street; and adding more lighting and security cameras.

Cubs management said at the meeting that these expansion plans are needed because the ballpark needs more seats and other upgrades.

"Our goal here is to make improvements to Wrigley Field that also improve the community," said Cubs Executive Vice President Mark Mcguire. "Things are in a state of decay, and when you look at Wrigley Field, you don't see anything special."

Mcguire said lighting and security cameras installed under the overhang would reduce the chance of crime.

When a resident said he was concerned that the new pillars would provide hiding places for criminals, Mcguire said the pillars would take up only about one percent of the sidewalks on Sheffield and Waveland Avenues.

"We've had a number of meetings, and I don't know how much we've accomplished," said Erik Rasmussen, who is part of the Blue Ribbon Committee of residents who have been negotiating with the Cubs management for compromise measures.

"My personal feeling is that the Cubs are planning to get exactly what they wanted in the first place," Rasmussen said. "They've been selling high numbers because they know they aren't going to get them. They are getting exactly what they want."

Rasmussen, who has lived in the area since 1972, said he would like to see Wrigley Field structurally preserved as is but fixed up to be used for performances and local athletic games.

"Maybe they should move the Cubs to the northern suburbs, where their owners live and there is plenty of parking," he said.

The plans are not finalized, and none of the improvements can be made until they are approved by the City Council.

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