Originally posted: June 30, 2009
Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos and Dan P. Blake at 1:55 p.m.; updated at 5:21 p.m. with statements from Tunney, Cubs
Peddlers would be banned from sidewalks in a two-block area around Wrigley Field under a proposal introduced at today’s City Council meeting.
Ald. Thomas Tunney, whose 44th Ward includes the ballpark, sponsored the measure to expand the area where it would be illegal to sell food or merchandise from a cart, table or other temporary stand.
“It’s a public saftey issue,” Tunney said. “You can’t walk to the park.”
The prohibition would begin two hours before and end two hours after baseball games or concerts.
Peddlers already are forbidden from the sidewalks on the perimiter of the ballpark, along Addison and Clark streets and Waveland and Sheffield avenues.
Tunney would expand that zone to the following, according to the ordinance:
*Addison Street and Waveland Avenue between Wilton and Racine Avenues.
* Clark Street and Sheffield Avenue between Newport Avenue and Grace Street.
Although the restrictions have engendered opposition in the past, Tunney said he expects his latest proposal will garner support at a public hearing to debate it.
“The neighborhood has really been changing,” the alderman said. “Attendance (for Cubs games) has gone to an all-time high.”
Tunney’s expanded geographical ban would apply to all sidewalk vendors—people who sell food and t-shirts with various witticisms. Vendors with stands on private property could continue to sell merchandise.
Tunney issued a statement this afternoon. You can read it here: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/files/tunneypeddlerstatement.pdf
Mike Lufrano, vice president of community affairs for the Chicago Cubs, said he had yet to see Tunney’s proposed ordinance. But he said businesses and residents around Wrigley have complained about peddlers and street performers at recent community meetings.
“In general, if it helps local businesses and residents then the Cubs would be supportive,” Lufrano said.
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