Bears' Board of Directors votes to advance stadium development in Hammond, IN, team says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears' Board of Directors voted Thursday to advance the stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, the team said Friday.

The exact site will still be selected.

This is this first time that the Bears' board has voted on any stadium site.

"There is more work to do but barring anything very strange, it's a done deal," one ESPN source said.

Chicago Bears brass said in a statement, "Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected. We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses."

Hammond officials spoke out earlier this week, saying they were optimistic after Illinois legislators failed to pass a "mega-projects bill" that would allow the Bears not to pay property taxes on an Arlington Heights site.

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"They're making a huge mistake if they don't choose Hammond, in my opinion," Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said.

Mayor McDermott talked about the Bears as the location of the team's new $3.2 billion stadium hangs in the balance.

RELATED: Illinois General Assembly ends session without passing Chicago Bears stadium bill

"Let's just be honest: They can't get it done. They haven't gotten it done, are not going to get it done," McDermott said.

On Friday, McDermott issued a statement, saying, "The Chicago Bears chose Hammond, Indiana because they see what I have said for years: Hammond is a successful city of opportunity and possibility, an excellent choice for such a significant investment. The city of Hammond and the entirety of Northwest Indiana will benefit from this transformative investment. I am proud to have partnered with our state leaders to secure this win; I'm grateful to Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen Ryan Mishler and our local legislators who pushed this deal over the goal line!"

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also issued a statement on Friday, saying, "Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state! We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the '85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven't seen before. Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality. Welcome to Indiana!"

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office issued a statement on Friday as well, saying, "The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location. That has hindered their progress. Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith. Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers."

This comes after Illinois lawmakers ended the spring session this past weekend without passing legislation to keep the team in Illinois and build in Arlington Heights.

The failed measure would've allowed for a mostly Bears-funded stadium that would be publicly owned, meaning the team would not have to pay property taxes.

It passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Suburban leaders in Arlington Heights are hopeful the team could still build on the old Arlington Park site.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement on Friday, saying, "The Chicago Bears have been saying for some time now that Hammond, Indiana is their main focus. Today's statement isn't fundamentally different than what the team said in February after Indiana voted to give the Chicago Bears more than a billion dollars in taxpayer money if they move to Indiana. But that didn't stop their conversations about a future here in Illinois, and it doesn't appear that today's statement will either. We are ready and willing to re-engage with the Chicago Bears when they realize Illinois will always be the best place for them."

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said in a statement Friday, "In April, the House passed an economic development package that was the product of extensive negotiation with the Bears and other stakeholders. That bipartisan legislation reflected our belief that we can incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people. While Indiana is willing to raise taxes and promise $1 billion in taxpayer funds, Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills-not taxpayer-funded stadiums. Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, "Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today's announcement is not surprising. It's also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal. Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents."

The Bears previously said they would make a decision about their stadium by late spring or early summer.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.