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Bears Submit Impact Studies to Arlington Heights in Stadium Plan’s Next Phase

The filings require joint review board sign-off, pushing the effort to secure state approval for a PILOT tax district.

Rows of trees on the southern edge of the former Arlington International Racecourse are lit by the sunrise on May 23, 2025, in Arlington Heights. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
The former Arlington International Racecourse facing east at sunrise on May 23, 2025, in Arlington Heights. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • The Chicago Bears submitted preliminary traffic and financial impact studies to Arlington Heights officials, marking the next step in the approvals process.
  • A memorandum of understanding with School Districts 15, 211 and 214 fixes site property taxes at $3.6 million annually through 2027 and protects schools from additional financial burdens.
  • A joint review board representing local school districts, the park district and other taxing bodies must approve any tax deal, with votes weighted by each agency’s share of the tax levy.
  • The proposal includes creating a Payment in Lieu of Taxes district to finance infrastructure, for which the Bears and local leaders must secure state legislative approval.
  • Rolling Meadows enlisted a lobbyist, traffic engineer and noise consultant to assess potential impacts and ensure fair cost-sharing for public services.