The Blue Ribbon Wrigley/Cub Meeting refused to allow members of the press or local residents at their meeting on Feb. 18 at St. Luke’s Church on Belmont Ave. The meeting was held to discuss the Cubs’ proposal to expand the bleachers on Waveland and Sheffield avenues and to strike an amenable deal with neighborhood organizations.
Ald. Bernie Hanson (44th) explained that the meeting was “a working committee meeting” and that the Cubs didn’t want to air the issue publicly, but wanted to establish a closed-door agreement between the neighborhood organizations and the Cubs.
According to a grassroots survey of the residents within a two-block radius of Wrigley Field taken by Karen Kennedy, president of the East Lakeview Neighbors, Wrigley residents love their Cubs. However, they want to ensure the needs of the neighborhood will be met regardless of fluctuations in the city budget or the Cubs budget. The survey made it clear that if night games cannot be adequately managed and staffed, then the neighborhood cannot afford to permit them.
Eleven questions were asked on subjects ranging from night games to the impact of nearby bars. Out of 900 surveys distributed, 107 were completed. In striking contrast to a previous survey conducted by Hanson, 74 percent polled said they would rather see night games stay at 18 or be reduced. Only 17 percent favored an increase in games. Many also expressed disapproval of late afternoon games, which were created in 1988 at the same time the Cubs won night game approval and an expansion of 2,000 seats.
Victoria Khamen, a member of UpRave neighborhood association who was present at the entire meeting, said that more questions were raised of the Cubs’ proposal than answers given or deals made.
There will be another meeting hosted by the Cubs at the Stadium Club on Feb. 26.
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