Will County Gazette

Bridgeview residents and local leaders are concerned about the long-term impact of the more than $320 million debt amassed by the village.

That number is uncommonly high. Nearby Palos Hills, which has a similar population, has only $19.2 million in debt, while Mokena, with a few thousand more residents, has just a little more than $5 million in debt.

The amount equates to roughly $75,000 in debt for each Bridgeview homeowner, according to an analysis by the South Cook News. A large portion of the debt stems from the funding of a $155 million, 20,000-seat soccer stadium opened in 2006. At the time of its opening, Mayor Steve Landek told the Chicago Tribune the stadium would contribute to the village economy and grow its tax base.

David E. Smith, Chairman of the Crete Township Republican Committee

Instead, the stadium has languished, and along with other debts has pushed Bridgeview homeowners' tax bills up by nearly 60 percent in the past 12 years. Bridgeview's credit rating was downgraded to "junk" in 2017, with Standard & Poor's citing the stadium deal as a key factor, and in May the stadium's primary tenant, Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire, announced its intention to move out.

David E. Smith, chairman of the Crete Township Republican Committee, blames Bridgeview's elected officials for the runaway debt.

"The burden they are intentionally creating for taxpayers is irresponsible and short-sighted," Smith said. "The first thing they must do is stop spending money they don't have. Secondly, they need to work overtime for years to come to start paying down the debt, even if that means short-term cuts in government programs, services and staff."

Further, Smith suggests the village's elected officials be held accountable for the debt crisis.

"Responsible oversight from Springfield would include an impeachment process for local officials who corruptly spend resources beyond reason," Smith said. "When dishonest and unwise people are elected to office, hardworking families and future residents end up paying a ridiculously high price."