Down Comes the Grandstand Interior
Demolition of the grandstand at Arlington Park International Racecourse by Bears ownership began on Monday.
The Bears have emphasized this isn't being done to begin construction of the new stadium at this point, but mainly for a tax break.
Only the interior of the grandstand is being demolished for now in Phase 1 of the project, as well as the offices and jockey building.
Earlier in the month the Bears filed paperwork needed to begin this demolition. The Bears are asking the county board of review to re-assess the property's tax value after the demoltion.
The value hads been set at $197 million but it was just $33.5 million when it was being operated as a race track. The Bears would have to pay an extra $15 million in property taxes if they can't get it reduced, but demolition of the enclosed grandstand should help reduce it.
Total demolition cost is expected to be $3.8 million with a $1.48 million cost for the demolition of the six-story grandstand.
"Paying property taxes is part of being a member of the community," Bears ownership said in a statement. "Arlington Park would not be redeveloped by anyone at such an excessive property tax rate."
The appeal the Bears filed will be heard in June.
Currently the project is at a standstill as a result of tax questions being posed by various area taxing bodies, especially school districts. The Bears also have to get the issue of cost to local districts for infrastructure worked out.
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