Let’s not fumble chance for mixed-use community

I am a Bears fan, but I am not a fan of the Bears moving to Arlington Heights. Indeed, Arlington Heights would have bragging rights, but at what price? Our village already is the envy of the Northwest suburbs. Do we need the Bears who are seeking help through public financing? Do we need 60,000 people descending on our village and saturating our roads with vehicles multiple times a week?

Beware, this venue would not only host the Bears, but it would also, of course, host major concerts and other large-scale entertainment and sports events on a regular basis.

Arlington Park deserves a legacy worthy of its beauty and its attraction to members of our community and beyond. A mixed-use community would honor that legacy. Arlington Heights has a shortage of housing for seniors wishing to stay in the community and families hoping to move in. Housing should be our priority.

Additionally, incorporating green space, retail and community centers in a walkable environment would create significant ecological and social benefits. And this scenario would benefit our schools due to tax dollars generated by a more consistent daily revenue through local property and sales taxes.

There is an obvious dichotomy between a stadium for the Bears and a mixed-use community. I see the 326 acres as an opportunity to add value to our community, not to strangle it.

Katy LaMantia

Arlington Heights