Letter: Many questions remain

Districts 214 and 15's decision to hire a lobbyist to give them "a seat at the table" in negotiations with the Bears and the state legislature re: the PILOT program is a boon to all residents and businesses in the local taxing area. How can an agreement that includes an assessment freeze of up to 40 years and "negotiated" payments to local taxing bodies be beneficial to current taxpayers? Will the payments to local taxing bodies be made annually? Will there be increases to the amount paid?

Except for the stadium, much of the Bears' planning is conceptual. What exactly would be included in the PILOT program? What would the Bears pay? Would they be responsible for any of the infrastructure? What will be the responsibility of the state of Illinois, Arlington Heights (and surrounding villages?)? How will it affect property taxes?

One of the village board members last year noted that the overall impact on the village of Arlington Heights and surrounding communities needs to be carefully examined. Will the current downtown continue to grow and be the center of Arlington Heights or will it be usurped by the Bears mini-city? How will the village ensure that Arlington Heights continues to be a family-friendly place to live? How will the stadium be used in the off-season? What is the potential impact on crime in the area if a major team comes to town? Can we assume there will be no impact? How will the schools and other local taxing bodies make up the lost taxes?

If not through property tax increases, how will infrastructure, additional police officers and emergency responders be paid? The village board needs to lay all these questions and more out for the public's review and a majority approval of residents and businesses before going forward.

Cherryl M Crouch

Village of Arlington Heights