Don’t let schools block stadium opportunity

It is incredible that the potential for the new Bears stadium in Arlington Heights has been pushed to the edge of a cliff. D214 Superintendent Scott Rowe’s interview published on Feb. 10 provides many reasons as to why. The thinking of these officials is astounding.

Apparently, D211, D214, and Elementary D15 officials believe that they can dictate to the Bears what they want — take it or leave it — risking this entire, once-in-a lifetime opportunity to build a world-class stadium with countless ways to use it for year-round entertainment and events.

This is another example of the disastrous consequences of letting public school officials make decisions that affect our entire communities. Do you see the similarities between this and the running of the city of Chicago? The vast majority of the public wants to see the Bears in Arlington Heights. Take another survey if you would like to.

Scott Rowe has not “stood up for our taxpayers,” including myself. To the contrary, these school officials have done a disservice to all Bear and football fans, and everyone else who would realize a tremendous surge in local revenues and business opportunities by their words and actions.

We can only hope that the Cook County Board of Review makes a sensible valuation for this vacant parcel and that these stadium inhibitors and their roadblocks can be sent to the sidelines. The game is in the fourth quarter and there are 7 seconds left. Can someone in Arlington Heights step up and take the ball across the goal line?

Don Ebbinghaus

Elk Grove Village