Schools

Keeping Tabs On Da Bears: School Districts Launch New Website

Community Consolidated School District 15, Township High School District 211 and High School District 214 are located near Arlington Park.

The Chicago Bears closed on a $197.2 million agreement to own Arlington Park in February.
The Chicago Bears closed on a $197.2 million agreement to own Arlington Park in February. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Saying the constant updates regarding the potential redevelopment of Arlington Park by the Chicago Bears "can be difficult" for residents to keep on, three local school districts are hoping to help. Community Consolidated School District 15 (Palatine), Township High School District 211 (Palatine) and High School District 214 (Arlington Heights) have launched a new website, SuburbanStadium.org, to inform residents and fans alike about all the latest news at the former horse racing track.

All three districts are based near Arlington Park, the property that was closed on by the Bears in February for $197.2 million. If the team were to leave its current home in Chicago, a new stadium and entertainment district may be in the cards for the 326-acre property.

"Anyone who has followed the issue at all knows that these school districts do, in fact, have a point of view concerning property tax assessment and revenue and what represents fairness for students and residents," a joint news release from the school districts reads. "This website, however, is not designed to offer or sway opinions. Rather, it is simply a compilation and aggregation of information."

Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to officials, the website will offer a timeline of developments, links to news stories, legislative proposals, an FAQ section, and information about financial matters ranging from NFL revenue streams and property taxes to stadium financing and Tax Increment Financing.

"The fact is that all three school districts hosting this website are excited by and welcome the prospect of Arlington Heights becoming the Bears’ new home — under terms fair to all," the news release concludes. "With this site, we hope to serve as a one-stop shop for people seeking to better understand stadium-related issues and possibilities."

Find out what's happening in Arlington Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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