Could Cubs Turn to the South Side? Zabrocki Wants Club to Call Tinley Home

If negotiations between the Chicago Cubs and the city to renovate Wrigley Field and the surrounding neighborhood go south, Mayor Ed Zabrocki wants team chairman Tom Ricketts to know that the club should consider going in that same direction, too.

South, that is. To Tinley Park.

"I think it's important for historic structures to be maintained and used by the public," Zabrocki wrote in a letter to Ricketts, dated June 20. "However, in the event you cannot come to an agreement with the City of Chicago, I would be remiss not to tell you about the opportunity that exists in the Village of Tinley Park."

Zabrocki suggested that the Cubs could use the 280-acre grounds of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center. The facility, which was closed in 2012, is owned by the state, and in the letter, Zabrocki said he has it "on good authority that the property will be made available to other State agencies."

"In the event that none are interested, the Village of Tinley Park will have the opportunity to purchase it from the State," the mayor wrote.

Zabrocki emphasized the center's location to major transportation routes, such as I-80 and Metra, as well as the opportunity to develop the grounds to include hotels and retail shopping. He also included an aerial view of the center, outlining where a baseball diamond could go.

Recently, the center's grounds have been used to conduct urban training exercises for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Zabrocki had not yet returned a message left for him Tuesday afternoon. The mayor's letter to Ricketts, including maps and aerial views he also sent with it, is attached to this article to read.

YOUR TURN: Should the Cubs consider Tinley Park as a possible new home if dealings fall through with the City of Chicago? Or would such a move upset the delicate balance of the Windy City's sports universe? Share your thoughts about Zabrocki's letter in the comments section.