The Cook County Board of Review is embroiled in controversy following its $138 million valuation of the former Arlington International Racecourse, where the Chicago Bears have considered putting a $5 billion stadium.
The board’s attorney, Cristin Duffy, rebuked Commissioner Samantha Steele for prematurely disclosing details about the valuation to the media before a final decision was reached, the Daily Herald reported.
“Indeed, the parties should not have learned of any alleged decision through these media reports but rather directly from the [board of review] through proper channels,” Duffy wrote. “Commissioner Steele should have refrained from commenting on the pending decision.”
The letter from Duffy came in response to complaints from Bears attorney Matthew Tully, who expressed concerns about the decision being made public before it was communicated to the involved parties. Tully sought clarification on how the decision was leaked.
Steele defended her actions, citing a commitment to transparency within an office that she believes has been clouded by secrecy and corruption for too long. She criticized Duffy’s letter as “inappropriate” and accused the board’s legal counsel of issuing a politically motivated opinion under the guise of representing the board of review.
The conflict escalated as Steele revealed the valuation process. Analysts initially agreed to assess the property at $138 million, but the figure was later lowered to $124.7 million by Commissioners Larry Rogers Jr. and George Cardenas, a decision Steele contested.
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The Bears, seeking a reduced valuation of $60 million due to the property’s long-standing vacancy and significant demolition, faced opposition from three school districts advocating for a valuation of $160 million based on an independent appraisal.
Despite the contentious deliberations, the Board of Review has signaled its intent to approve the $124.7 million valuation, the outlet said.
—Quinn Donoghue