Arlington Heights Bears stadium: Residents favor team move but without tax incentives, poll shows
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- The rooftop of the building that houses the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce may have a great view of the Chicago Bears stadium if they come to town, and the business community in Arlington Heights is ready.
"I'm not sure what it'll mean for our community but it'll be easier to get to a game," said Arlington Heights resident Mark Patterson.
A new poll suggests most Arlington Heights residents are in favor of the Bears coming to town as well. The poll, taken by the libertarian political group Americans for Prosperity, found nearly 72% of respondents approve of the Bears coming to Arlington Heights. The same poll, however, also found the majority of residents -- about 68% -- disapprove of tax incentives to encourage the Bears' move.
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"We're totally OK with it if they decide they're gonna come here and pay the same taxes as everybody else," said Brian Costin, state director with Americans for Prosperity.
"Any tax revenue put on the table is gonna be future revenue that'll come from the development. It's not gonna come from the taxpayers here in the community," said John Ridler, with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Americans for Prosperity also opposes Mayor Lori Lightfoot's plan put a roof on Soldier Field, which is owned by the Chicago Park District. The mayor or Arlington Heights responded in a statement saying, "...Any discussion of public financing is premature at this point. We are doing our best to ensure that a Bears move to Arlington Heights is a 'win-win' for both the team and our residents."
Employees in downtown Arlington Heights are all in favor.
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"I think it'll bring a lot of business here and we'll make really good money," said Merissa Daskauskas at Cortland's Garage.
The Bears are still researching the sale and haven't closed at this point. Many business leaders, however, are hoping that may happen by the end of the year or early next year.
