‘Chicago Bears’ Stadium Plan Likely to Retain Support after New Mayor Takes Over in Arlington Heights As Arlington Heights prepares for the arrival of its new mayor, Tom Hayes, the future of the Chicago Bears’ proposed stadium and entertainment district remains a major talking point. Despite the impending change in leadership, experts believe that the plan is likely to retain substantial support. Hayes, who defeated incumbent Mayor Jim Bertucci in the recent election, has expressed a generally positive stance towards the Bears’ project. He has stated that he supports economic development in Arlington Heights and believes that the stadium could create a significant number of jobs. However, he has also emphasized the importance of community input and thorough due diligence. According to several political analysts, Hayes’ views align closely with those of the majority of Arlington Heights residents. A recent poll conducted by the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce found that 62% of respondents supported the stadium plan, primarily due to its potential economic benefits. The Bears’ proposal, which involves building a domed stadium and surrounding mixed-use development on a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights, has been in the works for several years. The team has already secured the necessary land and zoning approvals, and the project has gained considerable momentum in recent months. Sarah Oswalt, a political science professor at Northwestern University, believes that Hayes will likely proceed cautiously with the stadium plan but ultimately come out in support of it. “He’s a pragmatist who understands the potential economic benefits to the town,” Oswalt said. However, Oswalt also noted that Hayes could face some challenges in securing funding for the project. The stadium is estimated to cost around $2 billion, and it is unclear how the costs will be divided between the Bears, Arlington Heights, and the State of Illinois. Despite these potential obstacles, the Chicago Bears’ stadium plan appears to have a strong foundation of support in Arlington Heights. With a new mayor who is generally receptive to the project and a majority of residents who favor its economic potential, the plan is likely to continue moving forward.Arlington Heights Mayoral Candidates Support Stadium if Impact is PositiveArlington Heights Mayoral Candidates Support Stadium if Impact is Positive Two leading candidates for the position of Arlington Heights mayor, Trustee Thomas Schwingbeck Jr. and Village Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Ridler, have expressed support for the proposed Chicago Bears stadium if it provides a positive impact on the village. Both candidates are expected to uphold the Village Board’s insistence that the project be financially viable and beneficial to the community. The current mayor, Tom Hayes, announced his resignation after 33 years in office, leaving the mayoral seat open for election in April. Hayes believes the Bears will soon decide on the location of their new stadium, either in Arlington Heights or Chicago. He noted that the team’s president, Kevin Warren, has expressed a desire to break ground on a stadium next year. In 2022, the Bears proposed a $2 billion, enclosed stadium as part of a larger development on the former Arlington Park site. However, the team later shifted its focus to seeking a domed stadium on the Chicago lakefront, which was met with resistance from state officials. Despite the setback, the Bears have stated their intention to continue talks with elected officials and community leaders to explore the Arlington Heights location. Meanwhile, the team is appealing the property tax valuation of the Arlington Heights property, arguing that it should be taxed at a lower rate due to the demolition of certain structures. Schwingbeck announced his candidacy in May, emphasizing his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his experience on the zoning board of appeals. Ridler, while not yet confirming his candidacy, has previously expressed optimism about the potential benefits of a Bears stadium in attracting tourism and businesses. The election for Arlington Heights mayor will be held in April, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the future of the proposed stadium project.Despite the recent mayoral transition in Arlington Heights, the Chicago Bears’ stadium plan remains on track to retain support. Incoming Mayor Tom Hayes has expressed his commitment to the project, stating that he believes it “has the potential to be a transformative development for the community.” He acknowledged the community’s concerns about traffic and infrastructure, but expressed confidence that workable solutions can be found. The stadium plan is a major undertaking that would include a new enclosed stadium with a retractable roof, an entertainment district, and other amenities. It is estimated to cost around $2 billion and would be financed through a combination of public and private funds. The project has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Some residents are excited about the potential economic benefits of the stadium, while others are concerned about increased traffic and noise. The Village Board is expected to vote on the project in the coming months. A referendum on the issue may also be held later this year.