Wrigley Field renovations come under fire by local residents

Residents who live near Wrigley Field faced off with Chicago Cubs representatives concerning the renovation proposal at the stadium, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The project faces city review this week, but some who attended a neighborhood meeting on Monday were in no mood to hear about what the Cubs are planning to do with the stadium.

Residents' concerns included removal of parking spaces, the impact of a planned new public plaza and a lack of communication on the part of the team.

According to the team's website, the Ricketts family, who owns the Cubs, will invest $500 million into the project, and it will take four off-seasons to complete.

Among the changes that are planned for the 100-year-old stadium: additional seating in the bleachers, new outfield lights that will reduce shadows, four LED signs and a 2,400 sq. foot videoboard in right field. 

The visitor’s clubhouse will also be expanded and both bullpens will be moved from the field to an area under the bleachers.

More from the Tribune:

Kam Buckner, manager of neighborhood and community relations for the team, told the crowd that the “historic renovation” aims to “maximize revenue inside the ballpark” and signage is internal, though he would not say how much revenue the new signs are expected to generate.

Its plan doesn't include increasing seat capacity, which he said is among the reasons it should have minimal impact on neighbors' lives.

~Scooby Axson