Rooftop owners file another lawsuit against Cubs

After a quiet period from the rooftop owners across from Wrigley Field, there has been another lawsuit filed against the Cubs.

The Cubs received approval to change their original signage plan on December 4. Among the changes were getting rid of an advertising sign in left center field, moving a video board in right field closer to the right field foul pole, and moving the large left field video board 30 feet closer to the hand-operated scoreboard in center field.

While the Cubs have claimed the reason for the changes is to receive a major federal tax credit from the National Park Service – which could be worth up to $75 million – rooftop owners are skeptical. Many think the Cubs are trying to shut out more owners by blocking their views more than the original plan.

“Several rooftop owners have been forced to give into this pressure and sell their rooftop to the Cubs,” said Tom Moore, the lawyer representing the rooftops.

Moore accused the Cubs of trying to force owners to sell their buildings to the club. With some owners already under contract to sell to the Cubs, Moore believes the Cubs are strategically moving signs to block owners who haven’t sold.

The Cubs declined to comment on the accusation, but spokesman Julian Green said the team is talking to rooftop owners to solve the matter.

“This is not about the rooftops,” Green said. “This is about our plan and taking the actions in the best interest of our business.”

A spokesperson from the city’s law department said that the city would attempt to dismiss the lawsuit.

Next: Former Cubs OF Tyler Colvin signs with Marlins