(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Arlington Heights took another step toward finalizing its deal to bring the Chicago Bears to the former Arlington Park race track at its Village Board meeting Tuesday night.
Village leaders unanimously approved a contract to work with Hunden Strategic Partners, a consulting firm which will advise Arlington Heights as it moves through its process with the Bears.
During the meeting’s public comment period, a few attendees criticized the village’s actions.
“I’m afraid that the Bears have made [Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes], and maybe some of you, a bit googly-eyed,” said Martin Bauer, who said he’s a 25-year resident of Arlington Heights.
“[Hayes] said that he intends to offer public money only, quote, ‘As a last resort,’” Bauer said. “That’s like me going into a car dealership, announcing that I will definitely buy a certain car, and that— while I don’t want to overpay — I’m willing to pay up to $20,000 over MSRP. We know exactly what that signaling leads to. It’s a done deal.”
Brian Costin, the deputy director of political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity, highlighted a recent poll his organization conducted of 300 registered voters. Costin said 68% of those polled said they don’t want taxpayer dollars to go toward funding a new stadium.
Costin brought what he said was a petition signed by over 650 Arlington Heights residents in support of an ordinance, which would prohibit the village from providing any financial incentive to the Chicago Bears — or any corporation — for projects in the village.
Costin called the village’s move to approve a consultant “premature” and “reckless.”
Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus said no incentives would be discussed unless the Bears, or any other potential developer, could demonstrate that the project couldn’t happen without assistance from the village.
Recklaus also promised a number of public meetings and “a multitude of opportunities” for members of the public — whether they’re Arlington Heights residents or not — to provide input on the process.
The next Arlington Heights Village Board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
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