After prolonged and sometimes acrimonious negotiations, the Chicago Cubs and owners of 10 of 13 rooftop businesses bordering Wrigley Field have reached a formal agreement settling their legal dispute.
Representatives of both sides declined to outline details of the accord, but Ald. Thomas Tunney (44th), whose ward includes the baseball field, said Thursday that it follows the general terms of a tentative 20-year agreement reached with the help of a federal judge Jan. 9.
The rooftop owners will pay about 17 percent of their revenue for legal access to the games, Tunney said. The owners could be compensated during the early years of the agreement if the views of their patrons are hindered by any alteration to the ballpark.
“These are two successful businesses, and they’re [now] going to do some joint marketing,” Tunney said. “I am glad they are working together after being adversarial for so many years.”
The Cubs are expected to receive roughly $1.2 million to $1.7 million a year.
“We look forward to a long and productive partnership,” Cubs President Andy MacPhail said.
But MacPhail said the team will pursue its suit against the three rooftop owners who are not part of the settlement. Those businesses are at 1038 W. Waveland Ave., 3633 N. Sheffield Ave. and 3637 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chris Gair, the owners’ attorney, said his three remaining clients plan to go to trial March 2.
“We are not going to be bullied by the Tribune Co. or the Chicago Cubs Inc.,” he said.The Cubs are owned by Tribune Co., which also owns the baiduhai.