Civil War Has Broken Out In Arlington Heights Over Bears Stadium Issue

After purchasing the Arlington Park property two years ago, the Chicago Bears seemed destined for a new stadium in the suburbs. However, things turn fast when money gets involved. Local Arlington Heights school districts weren't happy with the idea of a new stadium complex on the property, feeling it could adversely impact the area. They wanted to make sure the organization paid higher property taxes to help fuel the local economy. Bears decision-makers felt the proposals were unfair, especially compared to what Arlington Racecourse International had been paying.

As a result, team president Kevin Warren seized the opportunity to pivot elsewhere. Talks were broached with Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson and the two sides began working on the idea of building a new stadium on the lakefront south of Soldier Field. All signs point to this idea getting tons of momentum. One would think local Arlington Heights businesses are standing in solidarity with the school districts over the issue. That is not the case. Members of a group called Touchdown Arlington gathered business owners and community leaders to obtain signatures in hopes of convincing the schools to soften their stance, feeling they're about to ruin a golden economic opportunity.

Their frustration is evident from recent comments by their leadership.

“We feel strongly that this is the highest and best use for the land and will likely procure the most income for our tax base,” said Holly Connors, a local real estate broker and member of Touchdown Arlington steering committee. “We feel that these school boards have been short sighted in seeing the long term benefits.”

At Wednesday’s meet-up, Connors said that Touchdown Arlington got signatures for more than 1,500 pre-written letters addressed to members of the local school boards that have been negotiating tax assessments.

“We understand the Bears’ frustration with the negotiations with the school boards,” Connors said. “We very much understand that. We feel strongly that the school district has been incredibly short sighted. They’re in the process of missing an opportunity for a win-win for our schools and our kids. My kids go to school at Rolling Meadows High School, and the financial benefit to District 214 and other school districts is so outstanding, they’re just missing it.”

Some still believe the Chicago Bears are using a negotiating tactic.

This flirtation with a lakefront stadium is nothing more than an elaborate ruse by Warren to get decision-makers in Arlington Heights to panic. It will compel them to change their tactics if they feel they could lose the stadium to Chicago and see that 326-acre property get left unoccupied. This divide between business owners and the school districts is exactly what Warren wants. When a lack of solidarity exists in the opposition, you hold the advantage in negotiations.

Based on everything known to this point, the Chicago idea is not smoke and mirrors. The Chicago Bears are serious about it. They feel a downtown stadium is in the best interests of the organization and the city. There are also whispers that the NFL itself likes the idea of a lakefront stadium better. Maybe it's because of greater economic opportunities or a desire to avoid yet another pro team moving to the suburbs. Whatever the case, it's apparent the Bears have Arlington Heights' attention now.