ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears have been the talk of Arlington Heights for a week now and they were the hot topic during the first village board meeting since the team announced a purchase agreement for the Arlington Park property. The mayor sought to reassure residents that they’ll have input.
Two residents spoke during the meeting, Keith Moens and Tom Loch - both Bears fans.
"I understand the excitement and economic potential of the Bears maybe moving to Arlington Park. There's no question about that. However, I think we should give the Bears exactly $0," Moens said.
"If they tell us that they need a subsidy from us or else the deal will fall through, in my opinion this is just pure bullying and looking for some gravy in the deal. The Bears have plenty of ways to pay for their own new stadium without the help from our piggy bank."
Loch added: "We are now about to have a very large new neighbor move in. That new neighbor also has a lot of wealthy and influential business partners looking to tap into the quality of life equity in our community for their profit."
Loch said he’s concerned about the impact of a massive stadium complex and all that it could bring on the quality of life.
Mayor Tom Hayes said, yes, the village does offer incentives to businesses, but “this is not a done deal.”
"I have not committed any funds. You know we provide tax incentives to businesses. It's a last resort, and so we are not going to give away the store," Mayor Hayes said.
Mayor Tom Hayes said residents will have many opportunities to weigh in.
"We are going to listen to them in terms of what we do before we commit to do anything and I have not committed any funds," Mayor Hayes said.
It was the first chance residents had to formally share their thoughts.
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