New Neighborhood Group Bucks Trend by Supporting Cubs

The Chicago Cubs’ proposed changes to Wrigley Field is a major point of contention for most Lake View neighborhood associations, but now there’s a new organization for residents completely in favor of the team’s plans.

The new group Wrigleyville Neighbors plans to gather up area residents who are willing to support the Cubs and Ricketts family on sticking points in the neighborhood, like Friday games starting at 3:05 p.m. and the highly controversial proposal to put advertisements in the outfield, blocking the Wrigley Rooftops’ views.

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) is vocal about putting the neighborhood first during the negotiations, and according to Wrigleyville Neighbors President Bridget O’Rourke, constituents in favor of the project shouldn’t be left out.

“We want to make sure our voice is heard and let Ald. Tunney and others know there are many residents—and voters—in our community who would like to see him support the Cubs in this regard,” said O’Rourke in a statement issued by the Cubs. “I am assembling a group of neighbors who support the Cubs and the Friendly Confines and want to see the icon at the center of our neighborhood reach its potential.”

"It’s run by residents who are in support of what the cubs are doing and want to help them."

The neighborhood association is meant to resemble groups in the Lake View Citizens Council, like East Lake View Neighbors, Southport Neighbors and West Lake View Neighbors.

And although O’Rourke says the group’s boundaries are roughly Lake Michigan to Damen Avenue and Montrose Avenue to Diversey Parkway, the group is not officially affiliated with the LVCC. However, organizers are open to the idea working with the other neighborhood associations.

O’Rourke’s statement outlines the same list of positive enhancements to Wrigleyville that the Cubs have been touting for months, like the renovation creating 2,100 new jobs and the addition of a sorely needed hotel.

And O’Rourke says, no, the Cubs are not completely running the show. She went to them, and the team directed her to two others interested in starting a similar group, and from there, Wrigleyville Neighbors was born.

“We kind of partner with (the Cubs) in the sense that we still run the organization,” she said. “It’s run by residents who are in support of what the cubs are doing and want to help them. We’re just kind of working to get the voices out.”

According to an official statement from the Cubs, the new neighborhood association is a good way to get other neighborhood voices heard.

“We believe it’s important for the community to have a voice and we’re happy there are many Lakeview residents who are interested in voicing their support for economic development, jobs and improving the quality of life in Lakeview. Obviously, we will continue working with all our neighborhood partners to maintain our strong commitment to be good neighbors and ensure the renovation is consistent with our on-going community involvement.”

Although the group consists of neighbors who support the Cubs and Ricketts family’s plan to renovate Wriglevyille, even its president has a few reservations similar to other Lake View neighborhood associations.

“Overall, I support everything they’re trying to accomplish,” O’Rourke said. “But I would have—I think the hotel is a great idea, but—parking. They have to find parking for that hotel, making sure that it’s all there, and making sure the neighbors aren’t impacted by stuff like that.”

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