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Arlington Heights approves amendment to reengage traffic peer review for potential Bears development
Summary
The Village Board authorized execution of a first amendment with T.Y. Lin (formerly Sam Schwartz) to resume vehicular traffic and parking peer-review work for studies submitted by the Chicago Bears for redevelopment of the Arlington International Racecourse site. The club will reimburse the village for consultant costs.
The Arlington Heights Village Board on March 3 approved a resolution authorizing a First Amendment to the village's consultant agreement with T.Y. Lin Great Lakes, formerly Sam Schwartz, to resume peer review of vehicular traffic and parking studies for the proposed redevelopment of the Arlington International Racecourse site.
Village staff explained the reviews began in 2022 under Sam Schwartz but were paused in 2023 when the Chicago Bears halted studies amid disputes over property taxes. Village Manager Randy Reclaas told the board that the parties' memorandum of understanding and a Cook County Board of Review certification in December and February, respectively, prompted the Bears to resume work and submit updated studies.
Manager Reclaas said the peer reviews are necessary "so that all of this information can be properly vetted and evaluated" and that the reviews will analyze anticipated traffic patterns, roadway capacity and infrastructure needs. He noted the Bears will reimburse village expenses as provided in the 2022 predevelopment agreement; the village earlier required an escrow deposit to cover consultant work.
Trustees said they understood this was an early due-diligence step and asked about timing; staff said the schedule will depend on what the Bears submit and on any supplemental studies needed. Trustee Tonilia asked who pays; Manager Reclaas confirmed the Bears will reimburse the village and that an initial escrow deposit was previously provided.
Trustee Schwingbeck moved and Trustee Baldino seconded the resolution authorizing the First Amendment with T.Y. Lin Great Lakes (formerly Sam Schwartz) for vehicular traffic and parking analytical services. The board recorded a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes; the motion passed.
Staff said a separate engagement for financial and economic-impact analysis is forthcoming. The peer-review work is a procedural step and does not constitute approval of any redevelopment plan for the site.
