Cubs would help stake fund for game-related problems

September 27, 2002

By Gary Washburn Tribune staff reporter

The Chicago Cubs on Thursday offered to set aside $100,000 to help deal with game-related problems that affect the neighborhood around Wrigley Field, according to sources familiar with negotiations involving the team, community leaders and owners of rooftop businesses bordering the ballpark.

Mark McGuire, Cubs executive vice president of business operations, confirmed the offer, describing it as a gesture of good faith.

Exactly how the money will be used, whether it will be supplemented with future contributions and other details remain to be determined, McGuire said. "Everything from this point on needs to be discussed," he said.

As the team negotiates to expand Wrigley's bleachers and increase the number of night games, "we sensed that there is frustration in the community that things are happening, and [neighborhood] interests are not being taken into account," he said. "That couldn't be further from the truth."

Community leaders have complained of traffic congestion and parking problems stemming from games as well as litter and fan rowdiness.

Leaders of the Lake View Citizens Council recently proposed creation of an escrow account by the Cubs as a show of sincerity. They estimated the annual cost of addressing local problems at a minimum of $500,000 annually.

Friday's offer came at a negotiating session between representatives of the team and owners of rooftop businesses, which also was attended by community representatives.

Rooftop owners are discussing possible payments to the team in return for a bleachers expansion that would not block the views of their customers.

On that front, McGuire said, "I think we are working hard to make progress, but I think progress is slow."

The team needs City Hall's approval for the expansion project as well as the increased night-game proposal, but it is seeking to reach accord first with the businesses and community.

Mayor Richard Daley has said that neighborhood concerns must be addressed before he will give the team's plans a green light, and mayoral aides have urged a compromise in which the rooftop owners would compensate the team.

The Cubs are owned by Tribune Co., which also owns the Chicago Tribune.

Copyright © 2002, The Chicago Tribune