Report: Cubs to get OK for some Wrigley changes

MILWAUKEE -- The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will give the Cubs the go-ahead to extend the right- and left-field walls outward at Wrigley Field, build a new entrance, and remodel the dugouts, but it will not make a decision on outfield signs at a meeting on Thursday, according to a newspaper report.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday that the commission will postpone a decision on the proposed 6,000-square foot video scoreboard in left and a 1,000-square foot see-through sign in right until a regularly scheduled July 11 meeting.

The Sun-Times said Alderman Tom Tunney, who represents the Lake View area around Wrigley Field, is asking for major changes in the outfield signage, and wants the video scoreboard reduced to 4,500 square feet and the right-field sign to be no more than 600 square feet.

Tunney also does not want a pedestrian bridge over Clark Street, which would connect a proposed hotel with a new office building, and does not want a rooftop bar on the hotel.

The landmark commission had called a special meeting for Thursday to discuss the Cubs' proposals, part of its five-year, $300 million renovation plan. The Cubs are urging approval to prepare for offseason construction on the ballpark.

Cubs spokesman Julian Green told the Sun-Times they need the larger video scoreboard and sign in right to generate the resources needed.