Indiana News Regarding Bears 'Underscores Need For Urgency' On Arlington Park Plan: Village

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Despite Thursday's bombshell announcement that the Chicago Bears have shifted focus to Indiana for the future site of a new stadium, Arlington Heights officials said the team has repeatedly assured them a final decision has not been made.

The news did though underscore the "need for urgency on this matter" with regard to a mega-project bill that would keep the Bears in the state, specifically with the proposed redevelopment plan at the former Arlington Heights International racetrack location.

In a Friday afternoon news release, the Village of Arlington Heights acknowledged Village Manager Randy Recklaus did participate in a three-hour meeting earlier this week with representatives from the Illinois Governor's office, Illinois House and Senate leadership, and the Chicago Bears. Discussions focused on various aspects of the Mega Project Bill.

According to officials, the meeting was "highly productive and forward-moving." They added that the cancellation of a scheduled Thursday meeting involving the state's House Revenue and Finance Committee meeting was not "due to a lack of progress," with discussions ongoing.

The Village said all parties have set a goal to have an agreed-upon version of the mega-projects bill available for formal consideration in Springfield soon.

The Bears intend to continue the frequent and productive discussions that have been underway in Illinois, according to officials, as the Village "remains engaged in the process as discussions advance."

• RELATED: Bears Shift Stadium Focus To Indiana As IL Lawmakers Cancel Project Meeting — Team

In a statement released by the Bears on Thursday, the team said Indiana State Bill 27 (SB 27), which passed unanimously out of committee by a 24-0 vote Thursday, "marks the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date." The bill would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to facilitate building a new stadium by enabling the authority to acquire land, issue long-term bonds and finance construction.

"We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due-diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana," the statement from the Bears continues.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said Thursday his state's "pro-growth environment" has led to the partnership with the Bears. He added that the relationship "will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers."

A hearing on proposed legislation to keep the Bears in Illinois was canceled Thursday in Springfield. Matt Hill, deputy chief of staff for communication for Gov. JB Pritzker, said on social media the Bears had requested the "pause" on the hearing. Hill said the governor was surprised "to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois."

Later in the day, Pritzker said the Indiana news does not assure the team will move east.