Chicago Bears Will Remain In The City!

Chicago Bears will get a new stadium.

The City of Chicago has reached a deal to keep the Chicago Bears in the city. The NFL team was hoping to invest in a new multi-purpose stadium in Arlington Heights, a city that is 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The city finally agreed to a bond and public sources to keep the team inside the Chicago skyline.

The Bears will invest in a new indoor stadium by the lakefront. They will invest $2 billion of private funding into a project that would result in the team having a new stadium along the lakefront in Chicago.

The Bears were fed up with local officials and mayor Brandon Johnson. The current stadium, Solider Field has outlasted its use and the Bears wanted a new warmer and more modernized stadium. 

When Arlington Heights offered to build a stadium, the Bears were close to accepting a deal to grant land access. That now comes to an end and the gentrification of the South Side of Chicago will proceed.

With the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Chicago planning for the Democratic National Convention, the city will do some work to improve its image. It will also work on trying to keep the far right noise from making Chicago the scapegoat of America's problems.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement saying, "I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city. The Chicago Bears' plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago's economic vitality.

"I look forward to subsequent talks with the Bears, State leadership and community stakeholders about how we can continue to responsibly support the aspirations of the team, its fans and all residents of the City of Chicago."

Monday morning, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said in a statement, "We did not receive a courtesy call from the Bears about this and have seen nothing in writing, so no comment at this time other than we know it's a long way from a done deal at either location."

State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, issued a statement saying, "From the Bears' first announcement to purchase Arlington Park, I've been open to the team's move to Arlington Heights, but reaching a fair deal for all has always been the priority. As I've said before, I trust the Bears when they say they're exploring all options in the best interest of their company. If they go forward with their lakefront plan, it's our responsibility to make the best decision for Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and our neighboring communities as well. I look forward to the many interesting proposals to come on the future of Arlington Park like new business development, more affordable housing, or welcoming centers for new arrivals."