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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — The Chicago Bears have made significant progress, but there’s still considerable work ahead before they confirm their long-term presence in Illinois.
Recently, the Illinois House approved legislation that could potentially offer tax incentives for constructing a new stadium.
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With the legislation, dubbed the “mega-project” bill, now advancing to the Senate, many residents of Arlington Heights expressed hope on Thursday that the Chicago Bears would continue to be a cherished emblem of Illinois pride.
Ernie Rose from Touchdown Arlington remarked, “We’ve been at this for several years, and this is the first indication that we’re nearing a conclusion here in Arlington Heights. There’s a growing sense of optimism that something substantial will come to fruition.”
The passage of the “mega-project” bill has sparked a wave of excitement throughout Arlington Heights.
“Definitely a step in the right direction,” Cheryl Kolasa, who lives in Arlington Heights, said. “We have been waiting for this and going to all kind of meetings and hopefully it’s coming.”
People who live in Arlington Heights 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,”
Ernie Rose with Touchdown Arlington, said “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. 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 mega-project 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,” said Mayor Jim Tinaglia. “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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