Chicago Bears stadium update: Rosemont mayor could be key vote in team's deal in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- The Bears stadium decision is looming.

And a suburban mayor is emerging as a key vote.

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Illinois state Rep. Brad Stephens, who also serves as Rosemont's mayor, could decide whether the team lands in Arlington Heights or leaves for Indiana.

He's the GOP point person and is meeting Wednesday with members of the governor's staff.

Despite a Democratic supermajority, the Bears may need Republican support to move the deal forward.

A number of Chicago representatives have declined to support a bill that would help the bears move to the suburbs. But a number of House Republicans now plan to meet with representatives of Gov. JB Pritzker about the stadium.

"I think that the whole lakefront development idea that they originally threw out there was great, but it didn't work for, you know, the groups that opposed it and so be it. And the Bears have done, I think, a decent job on finding alternatives. And, you know, for me and from my viewpoint, Indiana's not one of those alternatives," said Stephens, who represents the 20th District. "I think that there's a number of us on the Republican side that really want to make sure that the Bears stay in Illinois."

Stephens said the mega-project bill doesn't just impact the Bears. It impacts Springfield and other major projects throughout the state.

"I am dripping with optimism that we can put together a package that proves to the Bears that this is where they should be," said Rep. Kam Buckner, a Democrat representing the 26th District.

The 326-acre site that is the former Arlington racetrack has sat stagnant for months or the Bears wait for state lawmakers to pass the bill.

It would give tax breaks for large projects like the new Bears stadium.

Arlington Heights leaders and Bears brass have touted the benefits of a stadium in Arlington Heights for several years now. But efforts to come up with a tax deal have stalled.

"I think everyone needs to rally behind this. We've got one shot at getting a stadium in Illinois. It's in Arlington Heights and every legislator should support that plan," said Ernie Rose, with Touchdown Arlington. "There's certainly a sense of fatigue around here. Back-and-forth, all the changes, but I think we're in the final stretch."

Indiana lawmakers passed their version of the Bears bill several weeks ago.

Bears leadership has given no firm deadline to Illinois state lawmakers. The end of the spring session is at the end of May.