City of Chicago OKs Cubs remote parking lot permit request

At a meeting on Friday, the City of Chicago Zoning Board gave its approval for a special-use permit the Chicago Cubs needed to continue using a remote parking lot near Wrigley Field that was part of the renovation deal reached between the city and the organization.

However, according to Chicago Tribune reporter Hal Dardick, several conditions were given to the organization in return for the issuance of the special-use permit.

"One of the conditions requires the Cubs to put up rows of trees, at least 7 feet tall, between the lot at 3900 N. Rockwell Street and Paul Revere Park to the north and rows of homes to the east. They also must direct bus drivers ferrying fans and concert-goers to the lot not to let their vehicles idle while waiting. And they must use barricades to prevent vehicles using the lot from turning into residential neighborhoods when the lot is in use."

The lot, which can hold up to 1,000 vehicles, was opposed by area officials and residents, who said an array of issues – ranging from traffic, unsightly disturbances and sights and sounds that weren’t family-friendly – made the lot’s continued usage a major concern for the community.

One woman who lives in the area told Dardick that while her son walked with her, some less-than-savory comments were made toward her.

"“As I am walking by, I am hearing the patrons dropping their f-bombs, say inappropriate language, catcall me as I’m walking by,” she said."

Dardick also listed the remainder of the nine conditions given to the organization in exchange for the permit issuances:

"The other conditions include requiring Cubs to tow cars still in the lot two hours after the end of a game or other ballpark event and clean up litter left by their lot users. Buses also cannot be loaded adjacent to the park, and portable bathrooms must be moved away from the park and homes and cleaned after every event. The special use permit also only lasts for five years, the length of the agreement the Cubs have with the lot’s owners."

The lot, which has been used since Opening Day, will now continue to serve as a relief measure for Wrigleyville traffic, despite the locals’ opposition.