Bears in the 'Burbs? Arlington Heights Residents Speak Up on Bears Move

Arlington Heights Holds First Meeting Since New Bears Announcement

The Chicago Bears are moving from the lakefront and may soon call Arlington Heights their new home.

The Board of Trustees met with the Village of Arlington Heights on Monday to discuss the development.

Newly appointed Mayor Jim Tinaglia assured the community that they will have a voice if and when the Bears officially commit to Arlington Heights.

"There will be a process that is going to begin, and there will be an enormous amount of opportunity for every resident, every business owner, to become educated and participate in all the dialogue that's going to happen and this entire board—believe me when I tell you—we'll all have something to say," Tinaglia said.

While much of the information regarding the Chicago Bears' plans has not been revealed, many Arlington Heights residents are welcoming the change.

One resident, Keith Moens, shared his thoughts:

"We're in the driver's seat as a village right now. For example, this is an opportunity to negotiate even more funds for education, for desperately needed available and affordable housing, for infrastructure investment, for public works, for public health, and for safe streets—all in exchange for the massive property tax subsidies that will be given to the Bears later on."

Earlier last week, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city's doors are still open.