CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears’ proposal to fund a brand new lakefront stadium stays a “nonstarter,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s workplace mentioned after prime aides met with workforce officers on Wednesday.
The Bears unveiled an almost $5 billion plan calling for public funding final week for an enclosed facility to be constructed subsequent to their longtime dwelling at Soldier Subject. Although the governor didn’t rule out extra discussions, the workforce clearly is dealing with an uphill battle.
“Because the Governor has mentioned, the present proposal is a non-starter for the state,” press secretary Alex Gough mentioned in a press release. “So as to subsidize a model new stadium for a privately owned sports activities workforce, the Governor would wish to see a demonstrable and tangible profit to the taxpayers of Illinois. The Governor’s workplace stays open to conversations with the Bears, lawmakers, and different stakeholders with the understanding that accountable fiscal stewardship of tax-payer {dollars} stays the foremost precedence.”
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Pritzker’s chief of employees Anne Caprara and deputy governor Andy Manar met with the Bears, who referred to as it “a productive dialog.”
“We share a dedication to defending the taxpayers of Illinois and sit up for additional discussions,” the workforce added.
The Bears’ plan requires $3.2 billion for the brand new stadium plus an extra $1.5 billion in infrastructure. The workforce and town mentioned the mission would add inexperienced and open area whereas enhancing entry to town’s Museum Campus.
The proposal requires $2.025 billion from the Bears, $300 million from an NFL mortgage and $900 million in bonds from the Illinois Sports activities Services Authority. The funding from the ISFA would contain extending bonds of the present 2% lodge tax.
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a full-throated endorsement final week, saying the mission is in keeping with Daniel Burnham’s “Plan of Chicago.” He mentioned there can be no tax hikes or new taxes for Chicago residents. However Pritzker and different state legislators are skeptical of the plan.
The Bears spent $197.2 million greater than a 12 months in the past to buy the location of the shuttered Arlington Worldwide Racecourse from Churchill Downs Inc. They envisioned constructing a stadium on the 326-acre tract of land some 30 miles northwest of Soldier Subject, with eating places, retail and extra on the property — all for about $5 billion, with some taxpayer assist.
The Bears had mentioned they’d pay for the stadium in Arlington Heights, with taxpayer {dollars} protecting infrastructure prices corresponding to roads and sewers. These plans stalled, with the workforce citing a property evaluation it mentioned was too excessive.
