Wrigley Field sign change approved by landmarks commission

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Wrigley Field renovation will proceed with smaller and fewer signs in the outfield, which were approved by the Chicago Commission on Landmarks Thursday.

The changes come after negotiations with the National Park Service, which could result in $75 million in tax credits for the Cubs.

While meeting Washington's demands to keep the manual scoreboard as pristine as possible, the new plan allows six signs - four fixed and two giant video boards - to radically alter the Friendly Confines.

"With all the intricate discussions and coordination that has to take place, our plan is to still stay here and play baseball because we know what Wrigley Field means to this city and what it means to the economy," said Chicago Cubs Spokesperson Julian Green.

The Chicago Commission on Landmarks previously approved seven signs as part of the renovation. Now, in left field, one of three fixed 650-square-foot signs will disappear, and the 3,990-square-foot video screen will shift 30 feet east. In right field there will be two fixed signs but the video board will shrink by 10 percent.

Cubs executives appeared pleased with their efforts. Ald. Tom Tunney however, by letter, denounced the new plan.

"I still do not feel that the large signs are in keeping with the character of the historic ballpark or the neighborhood," Tunney wrote.

A lawyer for rooftop owners insinuated the Cubs may have made deals with some owners to preserve some of their views with the new plan. One owner, who does not have a deal with the team, is lamenting.

"There is no reason we should not be able to come up with something where we get fairly compensated and kind of reimbursed so to speak, this is like eminent domain where we are not even taken care of," said Mark Schlenker, Brixen Ivy Rooftop owner. "I just know that there are three rooftops that have been bought and I have been in talks and I would love to do the right thing with the Cubs, and if they want to own my building, that would be great too."

The signs are part of a larger $575 million, four-year renovation plan.