The alderman whose ward includes Wrigley Field said Wednesday that the idea of moving the ballpark's iconic scoreboard and putting in a giant video screen was discussed and dismissed during negotiations over how to pay for renovations at the park.



Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, released a statement in which he acknowledged that moving the landmark manual scoreboard was one of many "creative solutions" that has been talked about during negotiations with the Ricketts family, which owns the team.



"Moving the scoreboard to left field, where a similar one existed until the 1930's, and replacing it with a video board is just one of the many ideas that have been on the table. It was discussed in earnest by all parties and dismissed," Tunney said in the statement.



The centerfield scoreboard at Wrigley Field is protected as a landmark, so to replace it would require the approval of various city bodies, including the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.



The latest flap in the Wrigley Field rehab saga comes less than two weeks before the April 1 opening day for the 2013, which Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts has set as a deadline for a deal to be in place for the rehabilitation of the 99-year-old stadium.



The Ricketts family, which owns the team and Wrigley Field, has offered to pay for $300 million in renovations to the North Side ballpark, but in exchange wants landmark and zoning restrictions loosened. The family also wants to invested $200 million in the neighborhood by building a hotel and plaza.



Tunney has said he would not sign off on any deal unless it contains provisions for adequate parking and greater police protection. Tunney, who has received tens of thousands of dollars in political contributions from the owners of the rooftop clubs overlooking Wrigley Field, has been working for a deal that protects the views from those clubs.