ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — If Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes had his way, Arlington International Racecourse would continue hosting horse racing for the foreseeable future. During a tense exchange at Monday night’s Village Board meeting, Hayes said he took offense to comments made by a citizen that government officials are receiving money from the Chicago Bears as the NFL team continues pursuing a potential move to Arlington Heights.
During the public comments section of the meeting, resident Debbie Fisher said Hayes sent a letter in 2021 to the Bears suggesting they should consider Arlington Park as a new home. Fisher went on to say there is more going on behind-the-scenes than is being revealed to the public, before accusing the Bears of paying off officials.
“Let me just say as calmly as I can, I can assure Ms. Fisher and all those watching tonight, that nobody is being paid off as a result of this proposal,” Hayes said. “I can assure you that is 100 percent the case. That will remain the case no matter how long this proposal remains on the table.”
Click Here: cheap gold coast titans jerseys
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Last month, the Bears closed on a $197.2 million property agreement to buy the former racetrack. Team officials called it a “major step” in an expected long process geared toward building a new stadium and entertainment district on the 326-acre property.
RELATED: Chicago Bears Close On $197.2M Arlington Park Property Agreement
Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bears officials have said the “multi-billion dollar” project could take up to 10 years to complete, with experts saying it has the potential to be one of the largest land deals ever in the Midwest. Analysts project the construction of a stadium-anchored development on the site will potentially create more than 48,000 jobs, generate $9.4 billion in economic impact for the Chicagoland economy, and provide $3.9 billion in new labor income to workers across the region.
Arlington Park began hosting thoroughbred horse racing at 2200 Euclid Ave. in 1927 before closing in September 2021.
“This was not my idea. If I had my druthers, the racetrack would still be there for another 100 years. That was my preference,” Hayes said. “We [Arlington Heights] don’t own the property. The property was owned by Churchill Downs. They put it up for bid. We were not part of the process other than me sending a letter to the Chicago Bears saying if you want to talk about it, if you want to explore this opportunity, we’re very happy to do that.”
Hayes said the move will only move forward if it’s a “win-win” with residents receiving a “net financial benefit” as a result of the redevelopment of the Arlington Park property. He also reiterated that no taxpayer money has been used toward the project to date, and residents will have a chance to weigh-in if that were to change.
Last month, the Bears said it will not seek public funding for the stadium itself, but will need assistance from the public to “ensure feasibility” including securing property tax certainty and support for infrastructure commensurate with the public benefits the project will yield to the region.
RELATED:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.