Austin Bonta

So I think that simply put, what separates our deal from the other areas that have been discussed about, I think that we have to consider certainly the uniqueness of the site, the Hellas Harbor site.

It is undeveloped land.

There is no need to take out existing roads.

There's no need to take out existing buildings to build.

So that's one piece of it.

The other piece of it is the ability for it to be a true, what do you call it, ecosystem of entertainment designed specifically for the bears, not over something that was existing, but undeveloped land in one of the most strategic spots in the Chicagoland region, certainly the northwest Indiana part of the Chicagoland region, where you've got the train, you've got the water, and you've got the highways all coming together to

right in this particular well-traveled area that so many people actually don't even realize is there.

Well, maybe they realize it's there now, given the attention that the site is getting.

I can't go into all details as far as communication with the bears.

I can tell you that they're definitely aware of the offer, both on the land side and on the financial side.

We know that they are doing their study to see if it works for them.

Certainly, they want to make sure that it's good enough to be true.

They want to make sure that it's something that they can plan based on.

And I'm hopeful to be able to say more about that communication piece as time goes on.

What I've told residents, and I've been asked by many, like, how soon are we going to know something?

I say, you know, it could be weeks from now.

It could be tomorrow.

It could be later this afternoon.

Not specifically about the Portage site, but ultimately this is the Bears' decision, and ultimately the Bears are going to determine what is the best site for the team, the best site for the fans.

I'm hopeful that they're going to agree that the Portage site is the best and that our deal is the best offer on the table.