Revised Wrigley plan approved by zoning committee

PHOENIX -- The Wrigley Field renovation project cleared another hurdle on Tuesday in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced changes to the $500 million renovation plan for Wrigley Field, including eliminating a bridge over Clark Street for now, and no new signs in the outfield for the next 10 years beyond the two large signs already approved.

On Tuesday, the overall plan with the revisions were unanimously approved by the City Council Zoning Committee in Chicago. The plan will now be voted on at a City Council meeting on Wednesday, and if approved, it would allow the Cubs to begin construction this offseason.

The changes were enough for Alderman Tom Tunney, 44th Ward, to issue a statement on Tuesday, saying he supports the plan.

Tunney had opposed the pedestrian bridge over Clark Street for safety reasons. He also wanted the Cubs to move the entrance to a proposed hotel from a residential street, Patterson Avenue, to Clark or Addison Street, and he did not want a beer garden over Patterson. According to Tunney, the beer garden and the proposed bridge will be deferred indefinitely.

The mayor, Tunney and Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts agreed that "only the two outfield signs" approved earlier by the Chicago Plan Commission and the Commission on Chicago Landmarks "will be authorized for the duration" of the Cubs' agreement with rooftop owners.

"Through months of negotiations and discussions, with the changes noted, I can now support this planned development," Tunney said in a statement. "There is no doubt that the Cubs are an important and valued business and stakeholder in my ward. Lakeview residents are proud that they call our neighborhood home. We are one the most dynamic, vibrant neighborhoods in the city, and we look forward to hosting a World Series in the 44th Ward."