As Arlington Heights Mayor, Jim Tinaglia is actively supporting the development of a Chicago Bears stadium in the locality. However, he cautions against constructing on the proposed site in Hammond, Indiana, due to environmental concerns. Tinaglia expressed doubts based on his experience as an architect, stating the history of contamination at similar sites. “I would throw up the red caution flags immediately,” he told the Tribune.
The site in Hammond has faced criticism from residents who have previously fought to have the land cleaned up. It includes a golf course built over a slag heap covered with treated bio-solids. The location is near hazardous waste sites, an oil tank storage complex, and the Midwest’s largest oil refinery.
Chicago Bears officials have yet to comment but have shown optimism. They continue to conduct soil tests and assess the property’s feasibility. Environmental issues have not been prominent in the debates surrounding the stadium’s location. Indiana lawmakers committed $1 billion, supplemented by $2 billion from the Bears, to build an enclosed stadium.
The site is conveniently near Chicago, roughly 30 minutes from downtown. Illinois legislators are considering countering Indiana’s proposal by allowing project sponsors to negotiate long-term tax breaks. The Bears are also seeking state support for $855 million in infrastructure costs at their Arlington site.
Environmental groups have largely refrained from commenting, relieved that the site isn’t intruding on Indiana Dunes National Park. Michael Boos, from the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative, criticized the proposal due to potential adverse effects on the Wolf Lake watershed.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. defended the site, viewing it as an example of effective environmental cleanup. He stated, “The Bears know far more about environmental concerns…because they’re spending millions of dollars.” McDermott believes significant clean-up efforts have transformed northwest Indiana.
The federal EPA continues to address hazardous waste areas including the Superfund site at the former Federated Metals smelting facility. They’ve partially cleaned and are assessing residual contamination and residential cleanup needs. The EPA is also tackling nearby pollution in the Grand Calumet River, financing a $200 million project to remove contaminated sediments from surrounding waterways.
The BP Whiting refinery present in Hammond spans approximately 1,400 acres. Flaring incidents due to power outages could impact the site. However, McDermott reassures that the refinery and waste sites are not immediately adjacent to the proposed stadium area. Local activities such as fishing, biking, and attending concerts at Wolf Lake offer a contrasting image of recreation.
In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker indicated that the General Assembly is expected to pass legislation incentivizing the Arlington Heights stadium before the legislative session concludes at the end of May.