Chicago City Council Committee Approves Toyota Sign At Wrigley Field

The proposed Toyota sign at Wrigley Field came one step closer to reality today when a City Council committee voted 9-0 to approve it.

The committee's approval was expected after Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, changed his mind about the sign and voiced his support for the sign. Wrigley Field sits in Tunney's ward.

In a meeting before the Chicago Landmarks Commission last month, Tunney said the sign was not in keeping with the Lakeview neighborhood or with the spirit of the landmarks ordinance that protects the 96-year-old stadium's historic features.

In exchange for Tunney's support, the Cubs have agreed to a four-year moratorium on new signs above the bleachers between the foul poles, the alderman said. It seems like a minor compromise for the Cubs. Team officials have previously said the location for the Toyota sign was unique because it did not obstruct views of paying customers on the rooftops.

My position on this issue is well known. If it brings in some money to help make the Cubs a winner, bring it on. It doesn't change the essential nature of the ballpark, and according to this examiner.com article, will not lead to a slippery slope of advertising all over the park:

[Tom] Ricketts told Examiner.com earlier that he had no intentions of putting up other signs in Wrigley.

The Cubs hope for full City Council approval at the Council's next meeting on June 9; it's possible that approval would allow the sign to be in place by the homestand that follows beginning on June 11.