– Statement on Preventing Additional Parking for the Cubs Camry Lot (10/1/2026) –
At this time, I have made the decision to prevent the Cubs from expanding beyond their already permitted 800 parking spaces. This decision reflects the strong and consistent input from residents, and my commitment to ensuring that any future changes prioritize community safety, traffic management, and overall quality of life in the neighborhood.
The Cubs are moving forward with a required amendment to Planned Development (PD) 108 as part of a settlement with the City without adding more parking than is currently allowed. This amendment addresses several outstanding compliance issues, including the Clifton alley and the Blue/Highlander parking lot, and provides for the additional security upgrades that helped secure the 2027 All Star Game at Wrigley.
As part of that process the Cubs must submit a new site plan for the Camry lot. The Cubs currently own the House of the Good Shepherd property, which allows them to expand the physical footprint of the lot without Aldermanic approval. The existing PD already permits up to 800 parking spaces. The Cubs currently operate 688, and under City rules they can increase the lot to the full 800 spaces through a site plan approval, which does not allow for Aldermanic input. As Alderman, I cannot prevent the Cubs from adding these spaces, and the PD amendment will reflect that revised site plan, including additional landscaping and trees along the east side of the lot.
While the Cubs have completed a traffic study and are working with CPD, CDOT, and OEMC to overhaul the Wrigley Traffic Management Plan, which has not been updated in over a decade, we need to see this plan be implemented and proven effective before I can support adding additional parking. While there will always be cars for ballgames, I believe this plan needs to prioritize pedestrian safety, public transit and non-driving options to access the neighborhood.
– Initial Project Description (Prior to 10/1/2026) –
The Cubs are seeking to amend the Camry Lot zoning to add additional parking for fans in the adjacent House of the Good Shepherd lot which they have acquired. The Highlander Lot (‘Blue Lot’) will also be added to this Planned Development. This proposal would increase available parking at the Camry Lot by 252 parking spots, from 688 to 940.
The Cubs have updated their plan to incorporate feedback received from neighbors including:
- Additional landscaping resulting in a net gain of trees planted on the perimeter and in tree islands inside the lot, in addition to $500,000 they have provided for the Kelly Park renovations.
- The Cubs will retain the basement of the existing buildings and modify them to provide stormwater collection. Additionally the Cubs will install permeable pavement on a portion of the lot.
- A new exit on the West side of the property which will allow cars exiting the lot to reach Clark Street while avoiding Grace Street in an effort to reduce traffic after games.
- Under this new plan, vehicles exiting onto Grace Street will be required to turn west towards Clark Street to keep traffic off neighborhood streets.
- To eliminate unnecessary light spillover, the Cubs have updated the plan to reduce the height of light fixtures and have completed a photometric study to confirm that the lighting will not impact the neighborhood while safely lighting the lot.
- The Cubs would continue to promote CTA during every event at Wrigley Field and on TV, radio, and in print, and will continue to work with the CTA, PACE, and Metra to identify new ways to promote public transportation to Wrigley Field.
- They will continue to provide the free bicycle valet they offer during Wrigley Field events.