The Bears took a significant step forward in securing funding for their stadium infrastructure in Illinois, though a final commitment to remain in the state is still a ways off.
On Wednesday evening, the Illinois House approved legislation that could potentially offer tax incentives for constructing a new stadium.
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This “megaprojects” bill, having cleared the House, is now set to proceed to the Senate. In Arlington Heights, residents expressed hope that this development might ensure the Chicago Bears continue to call Illinois home.
“We’ve been working on this project for several years, and this is the first indication that we might actually reach our goal here in Arlington Heights,” said Ernie Rose from Touchdown Arlington. “There’s a growing sense of optimism that something substantial will be built.”
The recent passage of the “megaprojects” bill has sparked excitement throughout Arlington Heights.
“It’s definitely a move in the right direction,” commented Cheryl Kolasa, a local resident. “We’ve been eagerly anticipating this, attending various meetings, and hope it’s finally happening.”
Arlington Heights residents said they hope this means the Bears are one step closer toward moving to their village.
“You will not be able to get a ticket to the Bears game if they come to Arlington Heights for years because the support will be so phenomenal,” Gary Aspelian, who lives in Arlington Heights, said.
Still, the team said there’s more work to be done as far as infrastructure funding, saying in a statement, “We welcome the progress made on the House’s version of the mega project bill; however, additional amendments are necessary to make the Arlington Heights site feasible for our stadium project,”
“All we’ve asked all along is to get an infrastructure in place that allows our residents, through our village board, to negotiate between the Bears,” Rose said. “And this Bill provides us the framework for that.”
The Bears have owned the former home of the Arlington Race Track for more than three years now with plans to build a multibillion dollar stadium.
Under the “megaprojects” bill, the Bears wouldn’t have to pay traditional property taxes. Instead, they’d work out a deal with local leaders to make what’s called a “payment in lieu of taxes,” or PILOT. Then, by law, about half of that money would go back into property tax relief for homeowners.
“The only thing that would kind of be up in the air for me is the commute that affects my drive,” Bianca Garcia, who works in Arlington Heights, said. “I know some people are really excited so I’m like it would be really cool, the train is right there, and it’s hard getting in from Soldier Field.”
“Many, many residents are OK with it,” Kolasa said. “They’re on board with it. We’re excited. Some people you’re never gonna make them happy. They were like oh the traffic and the taxes and all that. I feel it’s only going to make it even better. Just bring people and money to the area.”
Governor JB Pritzker’s office said this marks an important first step, saying, “Governor Pritzker has been clear and consistent for years that the Bears should remain in Illinois, and that any legislation needs to protect taxpayers.”
Arlington Heights released a statement saying they are encouraged and will continue working with the Bears and state legislators.
“I’m truly encouraged by yesterday’s progress and optimistic that we can maintain this momentum as the Bill moves through the legislative approval process,” Mayor Jim Tinaglia said. “Our belief that this property offers immense potential for the Chicago Bears, the region, and the State of Illinois, has never wavered. Now that the Bill passed the House, we’re one step closer to working towards a world class site concept that is a win for our community, the team, and the region as a whole.”
If Illinois lawmakers can’t come up with a deal the Bears like, Indiana lawmakers already passed their own legislation to entice the team across state lines, as well, which is still very much in play.
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