In a significant move, the Chicago Bears’ Board of Directors voted on Thursday to push forward with plans for a new stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, as announced by the team on Friday.
While the exact location within Hammond is yet to be determined, this marks the first time the Bears’ board has taken a vote regarding potential stadium sites.
According to a source from ESPN, “There is more work to do, but barring anything very unusual, it’s a done deal.”
The Chicago Bears released a statement saying, “Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors convened and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the specific site still to be chosen. We believe that a world-class stadium in Hammond will significantly transform the area, linking Northwest Indiana with the South Side of Chicago, extending through the Loop, and reaching neighborhoods and suburbs north of the city. This project aims to unite Chicagoland and provide new opportunities for its residents and businesses.”
Earlier this week, officials in Hammond expressed optimism about the development, especially after Illinois legislators failed to pass a “mega-projects bill” that would have exempted the Bears from paying property taxes on a potential site in Arlington Heights.
Hammond officials spoke out earlier this week, saying they were optimistic after Illinois legislators failed to pass a “mega-projects bill” that would allow the Bears not to pay property taxes on an Arlington Heights site.
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“They’re making a huge mistake if they don’t choose Hammond, in my opinion,” Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said.
Mayor McDermott talked about the Bears as the location of the team’s new $3.2 billion stadium hangs in the balance.
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“Let’s just be honest: They can’t get it done. They haven’t gotten it done, are not going to get it done,” McDermott said.
On Friday, Gov. Mike Braun said, “We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the ’85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before.”
Illinois lawmakers ended the spring session this past weekend without passing legislation to keep the team in Illinois and build in Arlington Heights.
The failed measure would’ve allowed for a mostly Bears-funded stadium that would be publicly owned, meaning the team would not have to pay property taxes.
It passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Suburban leaders in Arlington Heights are hopeful the team could still build on the old Arlington Park site.
The Bears previously said they would make a decision about their stadium by late spring or early summer.
This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
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