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A quick Bears stadium roundup

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[Democratic Rep. Mark Walker] said, as a businessman, the Bears’ endeavor makes sense in contrast to renting Soldier Field from Chicago.

But in order to get those economic development assists, he said he will use government tools to make sure there are minimum levels of affordable housing and that the Bears meet minority contractor goals, and will guarantee to employ a diverse workforce.

“One thing I’d like to not do is treat the Bears specially,” Walker said. “The Bears are any other company that’s coming here that is offering a lot of jobs and property tax revenue. We’ll treat them like anyone else. As people move in and use the site, we typically do things like invest in roads, infrastructure, just like any other development.”

* Fran Spielman…

The Chicago Bears have had preliminary talks with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, state legislators and village trustees in Arlington Heights about the infrastructure help they need to support a $5 billion “stadium-anchored development” and nobody has thrown them for a loss, retiring President Ted Phillips said Friday. […]

The preliminary talks with Pritzker, local lawmakers and village trustees were aimed at “understanding the political climate” and “what makes sense” in terms of a state and local contribution.

“We don’t have a specific ask. … We’re working on that. … We’re just asking everyone to be open-minded. To not jump to conclusions and give us a chance to make our case. And I would say, 100% everyone said, `We understand what you’re telling us,’” Phillips said.

Asked whether any officials slammed the door on public funding, Phillips said: “Nobody did. Everybody said they appreciated being brought up to speed on our preliminary plans. And that’s all we wanted to accomplish. We’re gonna be transparent. That’s how we got the Soldier Field renovation done. … What it took was Mayor Daley developing some trust,” Phillips said.

* Daily Herald…

“We will need help,” McCaskey said. “There are broad, long-term public benefits of this project, and we look forward to partnering with various governmental bodies to secure additional funding and assistance needed to support development of the remainder of the site. How much or what form this will take we do not know at this time. But we do know that without infrastructure support and property tax certainty, the project as described to you tonight will not be able to move forward.”

On infrastructure, the Sun-Times speculates that new entrances and off-ramps alone would run well over $100 million. As for “property tax certainty,” well, that likely means a TIF.

* Tribune…

Without infrastructure support and “property tax certainty,” McCaskey said, “the project as described tonight will not be able to move forward.”

Team leaders repeatedly said that the 20 most recent stadium construction projects in the country had included public financing.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:13 pm

Comments

==Team leaders repeatedly said that the 20 most recent stadium construction projects in the country had included public financing.==

“I’ve sold stadium deals to Brockway, Ogdenville, and North Haverbrook, and by gum, it put them on the map.”

Comment by Roadrager Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:22 pm
Infrastructure is understandable and probably would be granted if this became a bunch of warehouses but I wonder kid be a big no on a TIF

Comment by DuPage Saint Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:32 pm
Walker is a businessman? Ok.

Comment by Frumpy White Guy Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:40 pm
The Bears can lose to the Packers by as many points at Olivet at a fraction of the cost.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:43 pm
I’m not necessarily opposed if the State/local agencies that contribute to the increased value of the team, get to share in the upside when the team is sold. I am certainly not wishing this at all, but the organization will probably be for sale within a year of Virginia’s passing.

Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:44 pm
Why would the Dems who run the State and/or Cook County be willing to screw over Chicago in this? Even if no one likes Lightfoot, isn’t that what will occur here if the State and/or County agree to fund this project for the McCaskeys (of all people)?

Comment by ThePAMan Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 3:52 pm
How’s this sound…The Bezos Bears in Arlington Heights. Funding problems solved.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:04 pm
===Walker is a businessman? Ok. ===

From Wikipedia…

Walker served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and during his service was awarded a Bronze Star. He later became a senior executive as Citigroup, including heading worldwide credit card operations. He then went into consulting at Walker Information; providing business expertise to various firms.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:09 pm
==The Bezos Bears in Arlington Heights.==

Anybody but the McCaskeys

Comment by Just Saying Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:15 pm
Walker (banned punctuation) As soon as I saw that it is in his district I felt better, like the analysis would be good. It truly seems like the best option for the Bears and it would certainly be an economic boost for the area and the state. Go Walker (banned punctuation)

Comment by Amalia Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:19 pm
I did a quick count, it looks like there are around 15 senators and 27 representatives who live in the city of Chicago. There are several other GA members who live in the burbs but represent part of the city. Getting them to vote for any type of state financial help to move the Bears out of the city is an extremely heavy lift — even if it’s just to create a new TIF in Arlington Heights. The Bears have their work cut out for them.

Comment by TNR Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:28 pm
“We’ll treat them like anyone else.”

Anyone else besides me not believe that?

Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Friday, Sep 9, 22 @ 4:42 pm