There were several reasons why the Chicago Bears made Kevin Warren their new team president following the retirement of Ted Phillips. His experience running a franchise was a big one. His success at helping the Minnesota Vikings become a top-class organization in the late 2000s and 2010s couldn't be ignored. Another was his ability to handle the spotlight, as showcased during his time as Big Ten commission. Yet a driving force behind his hire was his invaluable experience in building a new stadium.
Warren was instrumental in helping the Vikings establish U.S. Bank Stadium, one of the most highly-reviewed in the entire NFL. After they purchased Arlington Racecourse International, it was clear the Bears were embarking on efforts to build a new stadium of their own. They needed somebody to help guide the way. Warren is perfect for that role. It appears he is already making his presence felt as the process grinds along. The Bears recently received permission to start demolition on the Arlington Park property, according to Caroline Kubzansky of the Chicago Tribune.
However, it's come with some challenging roadblocks.
The team is currently fighting a wide-ranging property tax battle with three school districts whose finances could take a hit from property tax breaks meant to help the team develop the site.
A hearing at the Cook County Board of Review on the most recent property tax assessment is set for June 2. Though Churchill Downs will be on the hook for that payment, the evaluation up for argument at the hearing will also determine the next two years’ worth of property tax bills the team pays to Cook County. The Bears could still appeal the property tax evaluation for next year or the year after, which could bring down their property tax bill in the future.
Meanwhile, the school districts and the team have been locked in a standoff regarding how much the team should pay in property taxes. The school districts have suggested the team settle on a land value of $95 million, which team President Kevin Warren called a “nonstarter.”
Kevin Warren is already showing his value.
It is obvious the new team president won't be cowed in negotiations with anybody. He intends to get the best deal possible for his organization. While the school boards have justifiable grievances, it won't stop Warren from getting a fair deal. One can assume the Bears will have things sorted out once the demolition process is concluded. Their apparent goal throughout this early process is to get as many tax breaks as possible while finding the funding they need to construct the stadium and surrounding property.
The goal is to reach the point where they get the shovels in the ground. Kevin Warren will know by that point it will be a three-year process from start to finish. Team chairman George McCaskey has remained cautious in making any proclamations. The new stadium is far from a sure thing. Still, it is evident that is the Bears' endgame. It is why they hired Warren. He knows how to get this done. Chicago politicians will likely make it difficult. That doesn't seem to phase him.
