Cubs Strike Out in Try to Delay Landmark Hearing

While the city is seeking to designate Wrigley Field a landmark, the team has been trying to add 2,000 additional bleacher seats, which would require pillars on sidewalks along Sheffield and Waveland avenues to support the addition. That move has generated community opposition as fierce as the team's quest to install lights, which finally happened in 1988.

"Obviously we are extremely disappointed," says attorney Richard Klawiter. His firm, Piper Rudnick, was hired by the Tribune Co. Monday, which Klawiter cited as one reason for a delay. "A 60-day continuance would pose no danger to Wrigley Field."

Corporation counsel Marie Hoffman countered the modified preliminary recommendation approved by the commission Thursday included changes discussed with previous Tribune Co. attorneys, both hired and in-house. She adds the commission is running up against a deadline to hold a public hearing.

"I don't think they're totally unfamiliar with that document," Hoffman says. "We cannot delay this hearing any more."

However, the team appears to have a sympathetic ear in new 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney. "I am concerned about the rigorous nature of landmarking," he says. "If it was my piece of property, I'd be concerned."

Tunney owns a North Side chain of restaurants, Ann Sather's. "I want to work with the Cubs and the commission to make it as painless as possible to keep the Chicago Cubs in our community."

Deputy commissioner of planning and development Brian Goeken explains the new recommendation defines aspects of the ballpark that would fall under the department's review. In addition to the ballpark's exterior, all "open-air" aspects inside, including the grandstand, bleachers, upper deck, scoreboard and brick wall surrounding the playing field would be covered by landmark designation.

The landmark designation would neither permit nor preclude the 2,000 additional bleacher seats, but the addition would fall within the scope of the department of planning and development.