The Chicago Bears just can't seem to catch a break. Much like the Detroit Lions' infamous Bobby Layne Curse, their long-running pursuit of a new dome stadium has taken yet another frustrating turn.

As reported by Marissa Meador of the IndyStar, the voters in Porter County have pushed back the proposal of a “1% food and beverage tax” that would have gone to the Bears’ stadium building as public funding.

“But it's not that they were jealous of the deal. Instead, people like County Commissioner Jim Biggs were frustrated that the financing deal involved a 1% food and beverage tax that would go to Lake County to fund the stadium,” as reported by Meador.

With the recent local elections’ result, Porter County officials might not approve the “1% food and beverage tax” that was previously authorized under Senate Enrolled Act 27 to fund the Bears’ project in Northwest Indiana.

“But Porter County isn't likely to get much benefit from the stadium since it's so far away,” she said. “Voters seemed to agree, ousting the county council president who supported the deal in the primary election in May.”

Porter County officials are considering every possibility, as the proposed stadium site is far away from their county.

This might not benefit the locals as previously it was expected.

"If they choose not to put any skin in the game, they're not going to have any say-so over what happens from all the economic benefits we're going to get from it," Braun said.

Republican state official Mike Braun also commented on the situation and said Porter County should not participate if it does not stand by the deal.

With another hit to the Bears’ dream project, the intended timeline might stretch even further.

Bears stadium timeline could stretch further

As reported by Courtney Cronin of ESPN Chicago, the Bears’ project timeline might stretch further until  December and beyond amid the recent developments around state legislation and environmentalist concerns. 

“I wouldn't be surprised if by like, December, maybe that's how long it takes,” Courtney Cronin said. “The reports about some of the legislation that the Bears are now trying to get through in Springfield…due diligence phase of looking at Hammond and everything.”

Although the Bears have already started with the soil evaluation around the intended project site, but President Kevin Warren is trying to pressure ‌Illinois state officials to act faster on the deal’s approval in favor of providing them with the legislation.

Per Cronin, the Bears might still have real estate issues in the land acquisition and with the previous property tax issues.

The environmentalists are keeping their stance around the “toxic wasteland” in Hammond, as the potential site for building the stadium. 

As we talk, the Bears continue weighing every option before making the biggest decision in franchise history: building a new stadium.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker