CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It was a bit like a playground scuffle broken up by the other kids. Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) proposed an ordinance to formally allow residents of his ward to have parking passes for the 11th Ward streets near Guaranteed Rate Field.
“What this does, chairman, is it legalizes the tradition that has gone for decades for both Bridgeport, Armour Square, and Canaryville, to have access to Sox Park parking permits,” he said.
Traditionally, they have gotten such stickers and passes, but it was an informal arrangement that he wanted to write into law. Ald. Nicole Lee (11th), though, objected.
Lee said the proposal would put her residents at a disadvantage. The original parking agreement was to facilitate shopping in the ward, she said, but some people have been using the stickers to park closer to the stadium.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) asked them how long the dispute has been going on. Lopez answered that he introduced the ordinance at the most recent City Council meeting. Vasquez then asked, when did he first talk with Lee about it? Lee jumped in.
“We didn't,” the alderwoman said.
Several Traffic Committee members, including chair Walter Burnett said this should not be for them to decide. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33rd) suggested a mediated discussion between the two, instead of a Traffic Committee vote.
“I don’t have enough information about what the history of this is in order for me to be able to vote one way or the other,” she said. “I want to be able to do right.”
The matter's been deferred.
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