Politics & Government Arlington Heights Mayor Denies Officials Getting ‘Paid Off’ By Bears A resident suggested government officials are receiving financial benefits for okaying the NFL team’s potential move to Arlington Heights. Reply
Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes speaks during Monday night’s Village Board meeting. (YouTube)
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.”
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
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.